By Justin Kresse
Even though the fall semester is just beginning, it's fair to say that we all need a break. After all, getting back into the swing of things – especially given these strange past few semesters – can be rather difficult. One great way to relax and feel that campus life is getting back to normal is to attend an event at the Performing Arts Center (PAC) or elsewhere on campus. There are many events to choose from during this fall semester.
Start by checking out “Live from the Adelphi PAC Living Room,” a virtual show created by Blyth Daylong, executive director of the PAC, in April 2020. The shows include live and pre-recorded performances by various artists, as well as interviews. Daylong also uses the shows as a way to promote upcoming performances at the PAC. As he put it, the virtual performances are “a way to continue to bring dance, music and theatre to people at home during the shutdown.” He added that he plans to carry on with the events on a bi-weekly basis to continue to showcase Adelphi’s performing arts.
It’s important to note that the PAC has continued to safely house live performances, even last year, through the use of virtual viewing options. This semester, there are 25 events happening at the PAC. Daylong noted all will have in-person audiences and some will also be livestreamed for people unable to attend in person. He also pointed out that the Student Rush policy will continue, allowing students to get one free ticket to any PAC performance starting an hour before the show as long as it is not already sold out.
Maybe you’re interested in the “arts” part of “performing arts.” The Fall Arts Festival has you covered. Though the annual event was moved completely online last year, this year’s event on Oct. 6 (raindate, Oct. 13) will have live performances and displays by alumni outdoors by the PAC, as well as a Chalk-Up event where students can make their own art with chalk. The 2021 Fall Arts Festival also focuses on important issues affecting the student body. This year’s theme will be “Resilience, Reflection and Rebuilding Connection: Healing through the Arts.”
If you’re more of a theater-goer, Adelphi theater’s fall season starts off strong with a performance of Sarah DeLappe’s “The Wolves,” a show about female high school soccer players. Nicholas Petron, chair of the theatre department, noted that the actors are going to get special coaching from the actual Adelphi womens’ soccer team.
If you’re into the classics, then be sure to check out “Sense and Sensibility,” an adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic novel. Look out for more information on the Adelphi PAC website (https://www.adelphi.edu/events/?filters%5Btag%5D=performing-arts) about other upcoming theatre shows, such as the 20- minute scenes created by the theater directing class and the final show of the semester, which will be the first show for the theater first years.
Music performances are also available for the Adelphi community. According to Sidney Boquiren, chair of the music department, there will be departmental ensembles, senior recitals, music education junior recitals and guest ensembles. The ensembles should also be incorporating or relating to Adelphi’s 125th anniversary celebration with the theme of “Building Tomorrow Together.”
There will also be visiting artist performances by groups Axiom Brass and Imani Winds, so be sure to keep an eye out on the PAC website for those performances. Some of the ensemble performances are open to all students, so if you are interested, make sure to contact Professor Boquiren via email (boquiren@adelphi.edu).
The dance department also has some great performances planned for this fall, including a piece by alumni Hannah Franz ‘18 for the Fall Arts Festival. According to department chair Orion Duckstein, the big show this semester is Dance Adelphi, which runs from November 17 to 21, with main guest Mark Morris as choreographer. Several faculty members will also be creating work for the show. Then the final dance performance of the semester will be a dance showcase, which will include many student-choreographed performances, as well as a capstone performance by Madelyn Sarver.
With such an array of performing arts events happening during this fall semester, students will surely be able to enjoy many great performances. Though many of the departments are currently unsure about the modality of their performances, performers are hoping to transition back to traditional in-person events, with the option of live-streaming performances for viewers who are unable to attend. Safety is of course the priority even as we strive to move back to normal.