YOUR NEWS ECSU students perform ‘Cabaret’

WILLIMANTIC — The first theatrical production of the fall 2018 semester at Eastern Connecticut State University was “Cabaret,” the Tony Award-winning musical set on the eve of Nazi-controlled Germany, with six performances between Oct. 18 and 28. The stage was set in the seedy Kit Kat Klub in early-1930s Germany, a time rife with political tensions that ultimately brought Adolf Hitler to power.

The Kit Kat Klub is a promiscuous nightclub whose patrons seem happily oblivious to the shifting culture and crumbling society outside. Cliff Bradshaw (Harold Gagne ‘20) is an American writer seeking inspiration. He finds his way into the ‘klub’ and becomes enamored with one of the dancers, Sally Bowles (Zoe Czerenda ‘19). Cliff is quick to notice the rising Nazi movement, but Sally and her Kit Kat patrons would rather not think about politics.

Eric Warner of Northfield who majors in Communication, worked on the set construction crew for “Cabaret.”

Cast and crew members who brought “Cabaret” to life were:

Samantha Torino of Roxbury, who majors in Theatre and Communication and played the role of Texas, one of the Kit Kat girls; Kelsey Boyington of New Milford, who majors in Pre-Elementary Education and English and worked on the wardrobe crew; and Zoe Czerenda of New Milford, who majors in Mathematics and played the role of Sally Bowles.

“I love the juxtaposition between the club life and what’s really going on in the outside world,” said Torino. “Being in the club is like being in a fantasy world where you get to be away from all the problems going on in life and society.”

Showcased in the Proscenium Theatre of Eastern’s Fine Arts Instructional Center (FAIC), the set for “Cabaret” featured an elevated platform from which a band of contracted musicians played jazz and swing music. On either side of the platform were stairs leading down to the stage, which served as swanky staircases for the Kit Kat girls to dance on.

Staying true to the form of theatre that is “cabaret,” the play featured a flamboyant emcee (Jacob Buckley ‘21) and risque musical numbers and choreography, including an act where the ensemble dressed and danced in drag.

College president delivers keynote address

WATERBURY — NVCC President Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Ph.D. participated in the Oct. 22-24 eighth annual Coloquio Internacional de Latino Artists Round Table (LART) delivering the keynote at the closing of the program on Oct. 24. The title of her presentation, in Spanish, was “Retazos de vida: Reflexiones de una académicaabuela” (translation: “Snapshots of Life: Reflections of an Academic-Abuela”).

This is the second time President De Filippis has been invited by this organization to deliver the keynote address. She was asked to participate in the conference due to her “knowledge on the subjects of Latin American women writers, feminism, and the relationships between mothers and daughters.”

“It was a powerful experience,” said De Filippis. “I am grateful to be able to share the joy and experience of literature and women’s studies with the NVCC community, and I look forward to their next conference.”

In its eighth year of hosting international conferences, LART is a cultural organization based in New York City, and was founded in 1999. In the course of their conferences, LART has compiled two volumes of their proceedings, both of which include articles written by President De Filippis. This international conference brings together writers from Spain, the Caribbean, and several U.S. cities. The theme of this year’s conference was, “The Image of Mother in Literature, Film, Performing Arts and Visual Arts: The Impact of the Mother in Our Lives.” The event was held at the La Nacional-Centro Español de Manhattan.

Tunsix celebrates institute’s opening

FARMINGTON — Tunxis Community College will hold a Grand Opening Celebration of its Civic Engagement Institute (CEI) Wednesday, Nov. 7 from 7:30-9:30 a.m., in the 600 Building, Tunxis Room.

All are welcome to attend the complimentary continental breakfast, learn about CEI upcoming events, and network with local business and community leaders. Chris LaPlaca, ESPN’s senior vice president of corporate communications, and Cindy Bombard, director of the Central CT Chambers of Commerce, will provide keynote remarks.

Tunxis Civic Engagement Institute is a campus organization committed to sharing knowledge and information for Tunxis students to become good citizens and neighbors. Besides civic engagement activities that occur in the classroom, CEI provides forums, guest speakers and other intellectual exchanges designed to generate ideas and help improve the lives of others. For more information, contact Dr. Rafaele Fierro at 860.773.1642, or rfierro@tunxis.edu. For a map of campus, visit tunxis.edu/ map.

From fine arts, health, and technology to liberal arts & sciences programs, Tunxis offers over 70 associate degrees and certificates, providing critical thinking and problem-solving skills that prepare students for transfer to bachelor’s degree programs and employment in areas with industry need. Tunxis is located at the junction of Routes 6 and 177 in Farmington.

Local teacher selected for WWI program

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Patricia Conroy, a teacher at Torrington High School, and Melissa Thom, a teacher at Bristow Middle School in West Hartford, are two of 114 teachers selected for a National History Day® program titled Legacies of World War I. The program is a partnership between the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission and National History Day. Thom and Conroy will participate in webinars and discussions while learning about World War I with teachers from around the world. As two of the selected teachers, Thom and Conroy receive free tuition, graduate credits, and materials for the online program.

Each of the 57 National History Day affiliates could choose two teachers for this honor. Thom and Conroy were selected for this honor by Connecticut History Day.

“As part of the commemoration of the centennial of The Great War, National History Day is proud to partner with the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission to help teachers delve into the history of this global event,” said National History Day Executive Director Dr. Cathy Gorn. “The teachers will learn about specific aspects of the war they can take back to the classroom to ensure this piece of global history is not forgotten.”

This program is part of an educational partnership with the WWI Commission, the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, National History Day, and the National World War I Museum and Memorial. This new educational partnership will educate both teachers and school students about World War I through a series of more than 100 teaching events nationwide. More Information about the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission can be found here: www.ww1cc.org.