Phil’s God of Carnage a comedic social critique
The word “carnage” is defined by Merriam-Webster dictionary as the “Great and usually bloody slaughter or injury (as in battle).” Parisian playwright Yasmina Reza’s 2006 play, to be performed this…
Arts
Schwartz moves away from traditional nature poetry
April, along with signaling the start of pleasant spring vibes, is National Poetry Month. Luckily, both the gorgeous weather and the proliferation of poetry coincide with poet Leonard Schwartz’s upcoming…
‘Darkness at noon’ illuminates the value of art history
“In darkness at noon.” This mysterious phrase is how Professor of Art and Chair of Art Molly Nesbit describes the seminal Vassar course Art 105-106. She is referring to the…
Painter Sillman to demystify functions of color, perception
Through the Vassar Art Department’s Agnes Claflin lecture series, many revered artists have come to campus to share their insights, ranging from printmakers to sculptors. Next Tuesday’s lecture will feature…
Spector is unconventional, unguided
The new HBO film Phil Spector begins with a disclaimer that says “This is a work of fiction. It’s not ‘based on a true story.’ It is a drama inspired…
Spring Breakers: shallow romp or ingenious commentary?
“It’s just like James Franco saying ‘sprang break, sprang break’ the whole time. That’s what I heard.” With this comment, and only this, as my fore-knowledge of Spring Breakers, I…
‘Company’: an introspective, witty takedown of marriage
Future Waitstaff of America (FWA) has taken on the ambitious project of putting up an intricate musical in just six weeks: Stephen Sonheim’s 1970 classic comedy, Company. “It is difficult…
Thao cultivates new signature sound(s)
Thao Nguyen and her band The Get Down Stay Down have always produced music which, no matter how pop-infused, remains folk rock marked by subtle grittiness. Their albums We Brave…
‘SimCity’ poorly rehashes past formulas Despite new coat of paint, lackluster results
The SimCity series is one of those game franchises that never seems to change significantly. Since the release of the original game in 1989, there have only been four official…
Photographer Spiegel to offer critiques for willing novices
This month PHOCUS, Vassar’s photography club, is hosting its annual lecture series. Every Monday at 8:00 p.m. in Rocky 310 during the month of April, PHOCUS brings a professional photographer…