Challenging Machismo
Forty years ago, Luis Valdez created “Zoot Suit” to draw attention to Chicano culture in mainstream media. Now, Luis Valdez’s son, director Kinan Valdez, has revitalized the play to address the current political climate and themes of racism and sexism still significant today. “Zoot Suit”…
Self-Care Before Finals
The bass thumps as trap music blares from the speaker. Students laugh through their poses as instructor TrapYogaBae tells them to shake their heads, stretch their necks and say “no to fuckboys” as they move into downward-facing dog. The 11th annual Birth of Word Festival…
A Taste of Culture
As festivalgoers walk across the lawn, one thought consumed everyone’s mind: “what do I eat?” With numerous tents with delicious food from different cuisines, the choice was almost impossible to make. The 38th Annual Multicultural Festival (MCF) last Saturday celebrated culture not only through food,…
Embracing a World of Culture
Thirty-seven years ago, a small group of students gathered at the Quarry Amphitheater for the first Multicultural Festival. Throughout the years, the event has grown to include more cultures and local artists. Now, UC Santa Cruz students are preparing to share their culture through food…
High Tech Art
An interface is a shared boundary of information, not only between computer systems, but also between art and innovation. The Santa Cruz Arts and Technology (SCAT) Festival returns as the “interface of creativity,” to the Museum of Arts and History (MAH) for the second year…
Mystery at the Del Mar
Only six hours in, sleep-deprived, pajama-clad audience members have already seen the comedy “The Little Hours,” the horror flick “Devil’s Candy” and the action drama “Free Fire.” They wait in anticipation as another title sequence materializes on the screen, six hours still to go. The…
Partnering the Old and New
Ballet, a form of dance rooted in tradition and discipline, has evolved to blend more interpretive styles of dance and move the body in new ways. Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre (SCBT) performed its 35th annual mixed-repertory concert on April 8 and featured dances ranging from…
Shining the Spotlight on Black Theater
“Reach Out I’ll Be There” echoes throughout the room as lead character Chelle dances across the stage. She sings the famous Motown song in remembrance of her close friend Sly, who has just been killed by police during the Detroit riots of 1967. The lights…
Festival on the Upper Lawn
As the sun set and electric guitars echoed across Rachel Carson College Upper Lawn, students danced and sat on blankets at the second West Fest. West Fest, an event to celebrate students’ artistic endeavors and musical collaboration, drew about 150 students. Students watched local musicians…
Overcoming Borders
Borderlands — borders in identities, memories, psyches and dreams — are where contradicting elements within religion or gender identity lie. Naima Shalhoub said it is the paradox within borderlands that creates chaos and oppression. Shalhoub gave a keynote speech to a crowd of about 30…