the newspaper
18 March 2004 Vol. XXVI No. 25
U of T’s Independent Weekly
on the inside • Letters, we get letters • From Grass roots to maple leaves • Judge the newspaper talks speaks about democracy, Charter by Zenon Harley NEWS BUREAU
The Hon. Mr. Justice Frank Iacobucci of the Supreme Court of Canada delivered the 8th annual Keith Davey lecture on 11 March. Professor emeritus of law Martin Friedland, author of Reflections: A History of the University of Toronto, introduced Iacobucci as “one of Canada’s most distinguished citizens.” Iacobucci expressed great pride in Canadian judicial system and highlighted its international acclaim. “Our country’s example… on the international stage has been well-noticed,” said Iacobucci. He also pointed out that the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms “has been something of a model for other countries.” According to Iacobucci, in the two decades since the incorporation of the Charter by the Trudeau administration, it has revolutionized Canadian law. “I believe the Charter to have enhanced the quality of democracy,” he said. Iacobucci argued that the Supreme Court’s majority-driven structure itself is a boon to democracy. A panel of seven or nine justices reaches a decision based on majority rather than consensus, while the minority reports its dissenting reasons. “Clarity of thought is often more improved by dissent than by agreement,” said Iacobucci. The lecture was well-received by the less-than-capacity audience of about 400, consisting mainly of Victoria College alumni and students. One student attendee, Harriet Wennberg, enjoyed the lecture. “I liked it,” she said. “I found it really accessible.” Over his career, Iacobucci has had many ties with U of T. Before joining the Supreme Court, he has held the positions of Dean of the Faculty of Law, Vice-President of Internal Affairs, President and Provost. The lecture, titled “The Charter of Rights and Freedoms: Twenty Years Later,” took place at the Isabel Bader Theatre.
BaldwinLaFontaine fills Con Hall by Maciej Mazur Convocation Hall saw a full house for the BaldwinLafontaine Lecture on Friday, 12 March—the first part of a two-day symposium aimed at stimulating debate on the history and future state of democracy in Canada. Celebrated Australian author David Malouf was on hand to explore the parallels between Canada and his home country. Malouf, a winner of the Commonwealth Writers Prize, suggested that, except for their beginnings and their treatment of native populations, Canada and Australia are very similar nations.
ABSURDIST DANCE PAGE 5
JASON IN COLOUR. THE PHOTO: MARK COATSWORTH
SAC presidential candidate Rini Ghosh talks with Trinity-Spadina MPP Rosario Marchese at Hart House. Ghosh is running as part of the Unity campaign (www.voteunity.ca). Her main competition is from twice-presidential candidate Justin Kim (www.votebuildingbridges.ca). Students may vote on ROSI until Thursday. “Despite these large differences, we are at this point remarkably alike: federations that share the same goals and values, the same responsibilities one to another as members of a society devoted to the public good.” He also pointed out that neither of our countries experienced a violent revolution or civil war. Malouf discussed key events in Canadian and Australian history that served to shape their respective nations’ character. He explored how the identity and experiences of a people affect their political choices for their futures. Governor-General Adrienne Clarkson was on hand to see her husband, John Ralston Saul, give a brief introduction to the Lecture. Saul, who founded the lecture five years ago, outlined the contributions that Robert Baldwin and Louis-Hippolyte Lafontaine made to Canadian democracy as the architects of responsible government. The speech was followed by a panel discussion with Irshad Manji, Alain Dubuc, Paul Wells, and Rudyard Griffiths. The full text of Malouf’s speech is online at www.cbc.ca/news/ indepth/lafontaine_lectures
proposed by President Jacques Chirac. Many believe the ban is targeted mainly at France’s large Islamic population, and equates the wearing of the hijab with extremism. “We believe that this is part of our religion,” said spokesperson Nafees Khan. “The Hijab is not a symbol, it is an act of worship.” The French government has insisted that the ban is about protecting the secular nature of France, and preventing the use of religious symbols to express political views. The protest mirrors others in cities around the world. The protesters carried signs with slogans such as “Hijab is our right and freedom,” “We won’t tolerate oppression”, and “Hijab, it’s all good in the hood”. The ban has found a good deal of support within the French population, where many see the wearing of the hijab as being forced on women. Muslim women call this a vast misunderstanding, explaining that the wearing of the hijab is liberating, a basic right, and an essential part of worship
Muslims protest French Embassy
The following students were elected to Governing Council: •Full-time undergrads Shaila Kibria Ari Popolovic •Professional Faculty Students Stefan Neata Andrew Pinto •Part-time students Holly Andrews-Taylor •Graduate students Oriel Varga Françoise Ko
by Maciej Mazur
About three hundred Muslims, mostly women, assembled at the French consulate to protest a ban on wearing religious items in French schools
Governing Council
Believe it. PAGE 6
Kevin Smith Speaks Out On Absolutely Everything JERSY GIRL DIRECTOR ADMITS HE’S “NOT A FILMMAKER”, MAKES FILMS ANYWAY by Edward Gebbie QUICK STOP BUREAU
In the nearly four hours that Kevin Smith took questions last Friday at Roy Thomson Hall, no one asked the most pressing one: “Why do so many of your fans look like Kevin Smith, Kevin Smith?” The director has attracted a rabid cult following in the years since Clerks, and this appearance marks his first Canadian Q and A, following a format that has been successful on numerous American college tours. RyeSAC and our very own Student’s Administrative Council sponsored the event. The gravitas of the evening was evident from the moment Degrassi High’s Joey Jeremiah and Snake took the stage for the introduction. This largesse, costing thousands, was mostly covered by RyeSAC. Smith spoke on subjects ranging from blowjobs (repeatedly) to Jesus Christ and The Hulk. His ravenous fans left the theatre sated and happy. It was early the next morning when I sat down with Smith. Cigarette in hand, he politely offered me an ashtray as he wiped his eyes. The director answered questions with the same attentive and rambling
THE PHOTO: DYLAN RAE
style he showed the previous evening, calmly explaining that he “never considered myself a filmmaker.” This came as a shock. Smith went on to explain that he “never took” his acting or the visual side of his direction seriously, being “more about dialogue.” It’s comforting to see that kind of candour in a director.
He is similarly frank about the talents of his lead actor, Ben Affleck. “They always put a mask on Ben, or give him a gun or something,” Smith explained. “He’s affective when he’s playing close to himself, just an erudite and charming guy.” Smith is more effusive about comedian George Carlin. Smith Continued on Page 5
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the newspaper
the editorial
Scrap first past the post Proponents of proportional democracy often thwart their own efforts by virtue of who they are. If the Green Party supports it, it must be nuts, right? Or too often the only supporters of proportional democracy are the people who stand to gain the most from it— fringe parties like the NDP and other political opportunists. In the current political landscape, the worst thing about proportional democracy are the supporters. It is a serious and non-partisan solution to a staggering problem within Canadian democracy. For the uninitiated, a proportional system might work something like this: if the Liberals get 37% of votes, they get 37% of seats. And ditto for other parties. Of course, there would be more rules, but that’s the general idea. Aiming for the federal government to change its ways is a bit lofty, since Canada has become a one-party state. The Liberals will control the country for the foreseeable future. But movements at the provincial level may jumpstart the trend. At the heart of proportional democracy is accountability. Generally, it creates stronger oppositions, which means governments are highly scrutinized and also forced into partnerships that bring more ideas to the table. Right now, the federal and provincial Liberals have an advantage since they do not have to listen to opposition parties. The only defeat they can suffer is at the polls—and there’s little chance of that happening. A proportional representation sends a message to government: stand up and take note. For those who vote for parties in opposition, those votes are suddenly of greater value. In today’s age, we have accepted that citizens of age have the right to vote, but they still are not fully enfranchised. Voters deserve the right to have their votes matter. Just like giving women the right to vote eighty years ago was a political progression that was just and necessary, so is the switch to a proportional representation system.
Proportional representation is a serious and nonpartisan solution to a staggering problem
Governing Council needs more students, fewer profs The results of the recent Governing Council elections show a disturbing trend. All the students were elected and all the professors were acclaimed. And even then, there are positions for faculty still open since no one put their name forward. Why is civic engagement such a chore for professors when students are lining up for positions? In order to maintain continuity, Governing Council is mainly faculty and alumni representatives. (Explain that rationale to longtime campus politician Chris Ramsaroop!) But it seems that Faculty are not interested in GC. the newspaper believes vacant positions should be opened up to students. Students need a stronger voice. Consistently, it is the students at Governing Council meetings who are vocal and critical of policies. Maybe it’s because they have less to worry about. Governing Council has the look & feel of democracy (rules of order, moderated discussion, very posh chambers) without the real substance. Essentially, faculty reps are not afforded sufficient protection as members of Governing Council to be as vocal and as critical as they want—without fearing backlash from their superiors. Departmental and bureaucratic politics are notoriously petty, and unless GC can offer immunity, its members are stifled. So professors won’t run. Moreover, the reason they are not running is the knowledge that GC has become a rubber stamp for U of T administrative policy. The real debates finished years ago. If professors are unwilling to step up for positions, there are many students who will. And students have shown a willingness to get their hands dirty. This sort of active involvement will make these positions desirable and meaningful. And then, maybe, the professors will run.
the newspaper Founded in 1978 formerly The Independent Weekly
NEWS & OPINIONS
18 March 2004
the mail Re: Challenge & Change Dear Editor, I am writing regarding to the article on the challenges and changes experienced by women at U of T over the last 120 years, published on 26 February 2004. There were some valid points in the article. However more information is required to illustrate the full extent of the issues of inequality as they existed throughout the university’s history, as well as the predominance today. In regards to the restriction of women at Hart House until 1972, the article recognizes that it is part of a sexist trend. However, the article seems to attribute the discrimination and gender inequities to the opinion of one man [donor Vincent Massey], which is an inaccurate depiction of the truth. This takes the blame away from the university, and excuses their inactivity. Vincent Massey did indeed donate $300,000 on the premise that Hart House be built for men only. However, his attitudes were strongly founded and supported by other leaders of his time. Also, although the exact cost of the House’s construction has never been disclosed, it is clear that the budget grew to several times the original estimate of $300,000 making Massey only a partial contributor to the facility. It was more than merely a “deed of gift” that kept women from being members at Hart House, for if gender equality issues were regarded at the time, a legal arrangement of this sort would have never been made. Luckily women were aware of their legal rights and were willing to take the necessary means to enforce them. The article accurately states that gender equality continues to remain an important issue. Approximately 57% of the university’s population are female, and there are many changes required in the future especially with sports and recreation. The celebration of past
1 Spadina Crescent: “I thought he was still in Africa.” accomplishments appears to be the focus—the article portrays the issue as more historical giving little weight to present inequalities. Readers need to understand that there are ongoing battles for equity among the female population at the University of Toronto. For instance, Stats Canada reports that of the population aged 15 years and older, women make up 51% of physically active people in Canada. The percentage of female participation in the AC Strength and Conditioning Center is much lower by comparison. As another example, according to the Task Force on Gender Equity, the combined athletic program budget for women is only 41% of the total budget allocated. The ratio of full-time coaches is slanted 2.5 female : 5.5 male. The challenges faced by women at the university—both throughout history and today— should be accurately depicted. “An athletics program is gender equitable when the men’s program would be pleased to accept as its own the overall participation, opportunities and resources currently allocated to the women’s program and vice versa.” Athletics Administration. April 1993, p.22 Sincerely, Ashley Elisa Stirling
Re: U of T needs more feminist content In his response to “U of T needs more feminist content,” Semple clearly missed the point (that certain disciplines still choose not to deviate from a distinctly male-centered tradition). What’s more, Semple’s letter makes point after grossly misinformed point. One interesting suggestion he makes is that academic texts by female authors are simply not available. Not only is his justification for this over-simplified and inaccurate, his statement is clearly false: Majic herself noted important female authors, such as Simone
de Beauvoir, that were removed for the syllabus to fit male authors in. Another even more shocking suggestion of Semple is that women’s studies are only about “you.” Anyone who has ever taken a women’s studies course knows how ironic this is: the discipline is dedicated to understanding the many points of view and experiences that the mix of gender, race, class, sexuality, ability, age, and other factors make. Interestingly, Semple says “if you’re just interested in yourself or people like you, why not stay home?” Considering his refusal to consider Majic’s point of view and his statement that gender and ethnicity should not be subject of study, we might conclude that he’s only interested in himself, and other white men like him. Maybe he should just stay home. Camille DePutter
Re: Shut Out at the AC Dear Editor, While everyone is entitled to their own opinion, it is a good idea to research your opinions before publishing them. I would like to refer Mr. Semple [the article’s author] to the report by the Task Force on Gender Equity at the University of Toronto which states the need for women’s hours at the Athletic Centre. Women’s hours are an integral step towards establishing gender equity within the university. The Task Force on Gender Equity was commissioned by the Department of Athletics and Recreation (DAR) in 1993. It was composed of twelve people, six of whom were students (four representing student government, two students at large), two DAR staff and four members of the University of Toronto community. The Task Force performed extensive consultations across the University including two public forums. The Task Force also consulted the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. They concluded that “women’s only hours should
continue to be protected and developed” (Task Force Report pg.8). The task force defined gender equity as “treating the genders in ways that are fair” (Task Force Report, pg.7). As outlined in the introduction of the report “Equity does not necessarily mean that all persons must be treated exactly the same. Where discrimination exists, people may need to be treated differently in order to be treated fairly.” (Task Force Report, pg. 5). Discrimination does exist within athletics, not just at U of T but across Canada and the world. Sports and sporting facilities were designed by men for men. These facilities do not necessarily accommodate the needs of women in their quest for physical fitness. Women’s hours at the AC are one way in which the needs of female students at the University are met. These needs include the “personal reasons” which were chastised by Mr. Semple in his article. These “personal reasons” include body image issues, religious needs (for example Muslim women) and older women who may feel uncomfortable working out in a co-ed situation. The time allocated to women’s hours is not sufficient to validate Mr. Semple’s fears of being banned from the Athletic Centre. The Strength and Conditioning Centre at the AC is open for sixteen hours every weekday and seven hours on Saturday and Sunday. Of these sixteen hours only one hour everyday is allocated to women’s only hours. Mr. Semple also expressed a concern that men would have to change their schedules to accommodate the women’s hour. Upon further examination it seems that women are the ones who must arrange their schedules if they wish to exercise in a female only environment. One hour a day is not a large sacrifice on the part of the male students. I would like to commend the AC on their commitment to Continued on Page 3
campus comment
What should the campus comment question be this week? Greg, Anthro/Music/ Philosophy
Steph, English & Philosophy
Where can we get more free food on campus?
Why does everyone always have such witty answers for campus comment?
Julia, Equity Studies
Steven, Philosophy
Where have all the flowers gone?
The question should be what should the campus comment question be?
Veronica, 1st year
Lara & Marissa, Peace & Conflict Studies
Editors Edward Gebbie, Matthew Gloyd, & Peter Josselyn Associate Editors Brenda Cromb, Katie A. Szymanski, & Dora Zhang Board of Directors Rachel Bokhout, Reuben Schwarz & Ivor Tossell Photo Editor Mark Coatsworth Spencer Bruce, Camille DePutter, Rosena Fung, Zenon Harley, Tiffanie Ing, Kaitlin Horne, Joe Kerr, Jason “Kief the Chief” Kieffer, Maciej Mazur, Morgon Mills, Ryan North, Miyoko Ohtake, Dylan Rae, Diego Silva, Ashley Elisa Stirling. the newspaper is the University of Toronto’s community paper and is published weekly by Planet Publications Inc., a non-profit corporation. Contributions are welcome from all U of T community. Writers old and new can drop by our office every Thursday at 4:30 for story assignments. Letters to the editor should be under 250 words, and writers must include their name and their telephone number.
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How do you interpret the poetry of Guiseppe Ungaretti according to Octavio Paz’s concept of “the other voice?”
Why isn’t Trinity all it’s cracked up to be?
Dan, program unkown
Dave, Philosophy & Poly Sci
Why are we supposed to tell you how to do your job?
Who now with the what now?
NEWS & OPINIONS
18 March 2004
the newspaper
3
LETTERS Continued from Page 2 gender equity issues in the area of Athletics and Recreation. By providing women’s only hours they are encouraging female students to take an active interest in their health. Women’s only hours also allow those with special requirements surrounding their participation (Muslim women) an opportunity to participate. Everyone has a right to participate in physical activity without barriers. This is the true meaning of “mutual equity and tolerance” which Mr. Semple states are “core values of this university”. Sincerely, Kaitlin Horne Dear Editor, I write in response to Noel Semple’s “Shut Out at the AC.” In defense of the Athletic Centre, the policy providing women’s only hours was looked at by Mr. Semple in a very closed-minded manner. His one-sided opinion only looked at the exclusion of males and the inequality of weight room and pool hours for men and women. When looking at equality there is much more to consider than male and female. This policy is not about exclusion, but inclusion of people of different religions and beliefs. A perfect example of this is Islamic culture in which Muslim women are required to exercise in the absence of men and keep the majority of their bodies covered. Physical activity is a basic human right and equity (not equality) policies do their best to ensure everyone has the opportunity to take advantage of these rights by providing a level ‘playing field.’ Semple says that this policy restricts certain students (males) to second-class access to facilities; however, by taking away one hour a day from male use of one of the workout facilities, women with different beliefs are given a chance to exercise. By suggesting that the university should not make these changes to accommodate different cultures, Semple is suggesting that his way is the right way. Arguments like this are the foundation of social inequality. Believing your race, sex, or in this case belief, is better than someone else’s is not something that our institution prides itself in. I am a fan of the Athletic Centre and am very proud of U of T for accepting and encouraging religious activity by establishing this policy. Julia Hall
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The 2004 Hart House Lecture with ENNIFER
WELSH
WHERE DO I BELONG ? Exploring citizenship in the 21 century st
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FEATURES
the newspaper
18 March 2004
From grass roots to maple leaves the newspaper sits down with Fair Vote Canada guru Larry Gordon to chew the fat & sow the seeds by Matt Gloyd
DEMOCRACY BUREAU
It’s become a truism to say that civil liberties are in retreat and voter apathy is rising. But when even this dialogue is suppressed by cynicism, what hope is there for democracy? None. But the newspaper met with
Larry Gordon, executive director of Fair Vote Canada, at a pub on the Danforth. Fair Vote Canada is a grassroots national movement dedicated to voting system reform. We discussed politics over pints of Guiness. MG: Lay out where we are in this country regarding voting system reform.
LG: We now have six of Canada’s provinces that are looking at voting system reform. This is all stuff that’s happened in the last year or two. In B.C. there is a citizen’s assembly of 160 randomly chosen people deliberating over whether B.C. ought to change their voting system.
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All the reports we’re hearing is that the assembly is already leaning toward some type of proportional representation. So we are probably within 13 or 14 months of the first referendum in Canada ever on getting a fairer voting system. So the dam is about ready to burst on this issue. MG: How do you make a grassroots movement when a lot of good ideas just disappear? How has Fair Vote Canada achieved the results we’re seeing now? LG: Having worked on a lot of social issues I know that with many things you’ve gotta start working with faith and dedication for it and sometimes the magic works and sometimes it doesn’t. Sometimes the broader social and political environment changes, a door opens and change is possible, and sometimes it doesn’t. This is one of those issues where a once in a century change is possible. It sure helps you get up in the morning and get pumped up working on it. Because of the momentum we now have it’s easier than ever to be involved. At first, people asked, “this is really interesting but you guys don’t think this can happen, do you?” Now it’s like, “Where do you think it’s gonna happen first? And how soon do you think its gonna happen?” It’s now perceived that big change is possi-
ble. That’s why more people are joining and becoming active. MG: In Canada regionalism has defined the way politics are played on the federal scene: demands by the West, Ontario or Quebec. Can any of this be attributed to the kind of voting system that we use? LG: The current First-PastThe-Post voting system dramatically exacerbates regional differences. If you look at a political map, The West is Green or Blue [the new Conservatives], Ontario is Red [Liberal]. What you have is a voting system that’s denying representation for the rich diversity of viewpoints that we have in regions across this country. We’re not all Liberal supporters in Ontario and we’re not all Conservatives out West. Exaggerated regionalism in Canada is primarily a problem that can be laid at the feet of the voting system. For instance, in 1993 the Bloc came in 4th in popular vote yet became the official opposition. MG: How safe is democracy in an age like this? LG: I thought the fight for democracy had been won until I read a book by Robert Dahl called On Democracy. Dahl pointed out that although we’ve come a long way, we could lose it. We could lose democracy in the 21st century, it’s not a done deal. Here in Canada, voting
system reform is ground zero on this. We’ve got to change the way we do it, in order to take a step forward to more democratic reforms. The more insidious threat to democracy, more than fascism, totalitarianism or communism, is citizens losing faith and turning over decisions to the “guardians.” To the elite, the experts that have the brain power and knowledge base to make decisions on behalf of all the unenlightened masses. In our technological age, this danger is more prevalent than ever before and people are starting to ascribe mystical characteristics to those who understand technology. MG : How can students get involved? LG: Join Fair Vote Canada, make sure your voice is being registered. Visit our website at www.fairvotecanada.org Sign our online petition. We have chapters in different areas that you can join if you’re willing to spend time on this. We’re going to be very active during the federal election with meetings, leafleting the public and approaching the candidates. Fair Vote Canada will be on campus next Monday. Wayne Smith from FVC’s Toronto Chapter will be speaking and taking questions on electoral reform Monday March 22nd from 5 to 8 p.m. at Sidney Smith, Room #1069.
Bioethics on Life Support by Diego Silva
BIOETHICS BUREAU
Oxymoron of the year: a non-profit drug company. Such an entity, absurd as it may be, exists. I’ll give you a moment to catch your breath and pick your jaw up off the floor. Traditionally, pharmaceutical companies function like any other business: their goal is to make a profit. Therefore, like any other company, they create a product which enters a market, where it is bought and sold like any other commodity. Like any other business, they function on the principle of supply and demand. The consequence of a traditional business model in the realm of drug research and development is that pharmaceutical companies will overwhelmingly (if not unequivocally) produce medicine for diseases that occur in the developed (for lack of a better word) world. The reason is that those in the developed nations will have more money to pay for whatever drugs they happen to need. Illnesses which affect only the developing world (Asia, Africa and Latin America) are neglected due to their inability to create profit. Therefore, drug manufactures will produce drugs to treat erectile dysfunction and neglect diseases which kill significant numbers of people in developing nations.
So this is the scenario that confronts governments, academics and the general public worldwide. In light of this situation, Dr. Victoria Hale, a pharmaceutical scientist from San Francisco, founded one of the world’s first non-profit drug companies, the Institute of OneWorld Health, whose goal is to research and develop drugs which target infectious diseases predominant in the developing world. Dr. Hale and her group of international scientists search for promising medicine and vaccines in their early stages of research, that have been patented and left on the shelf by for-profit pharmaceutical companies. They then buy these patents from the companies and develop and produce treatments for neglected infectious diseases. (They also work with universities to do research right from a product’s inception.) OneWorld Health receives funding from a variety of different sources, including philanthropists (Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation), international organizations (the World Health Organization), universities (University of California at Berkeley) and even other members of industry (Celera Genomics). One interesting and very important fact to be aware of is that developing countries are helping to produce these medications and vaccines themselves.
The research is conducted internationally, not only in North America and Europe. Part of the appeal, at least as I see it, is that it is not simply the creation of treatments for the developing world, but by the developing world (a sentiment echoed by, among others, U of T’s Dr. Peter Singer and Dr. Abdallah Daar). At the moment, OneWorld Health is targeting six diseases: visceral leishmaniasis, malaria, diarrheal disease, intestinal parasites, Chagas disease, and sleeping sickness. These diseases alone kill approximately four million people per year. Currently, its drug for treating leishmaniasis is finishing its phase 3-clinical trial, and will soon be ready for the regulatory approval stage. I have to admit, as a philosophy/bioethics student and concerned citizen of planet earth, I was shocked, delighted and invigorated when I found out such a company existed. I hope the greatest of luck and success to the Institute for OneWorld Health, and I sincerely wish that more scientists and academics will follow Dr. Hale’s lead. If you’d like more information, please visit www.oneworldhealth.org. If you feel inspired by such humanitarianism, spread the word. It’s the first step.
THE ARTS
18 March 2004
the newspaper
5
Engineers: Threat or Menace? Tell Your Dad You Love Him! Pere et Fils Reviewed
Skule™ Nite reviewed by Joe Kerr
ENGINEERING BUREAU
One has high expectations when heading into one of the few shows that sells out year after year at Hart House Theatre. On one hand, Skule™ Nite has for the past 81 years entertained the U of T engineering community and those brave enough to endure the inside jokes written into the script. On the other, the play is written and performed by people who have briefly traded in their calculus books for scripts and make-up. The show has a lot to live up to. This year followed the traditional format of sketch comedy and musical numbers interspersed with gags; think of classic SCTV set to a musical score performed by a live band. The show opened with an excellent musical number taken
from the Grease soundtrack, and got the audience pumped up right from the start. The whole cast absolutely rocked in this song, and the band was a highlight. While the sketches were for the most part excellent, the show was slow to get laughs going. However, once the second act rolled along, the show really began to shine. Skule™ Nite parodied just about every controversial topic known to man, and managed to pull it off by using Carlos Mencia’s style of writing to make fun of everyone. Religion, politics, and in particular, sex were the highlights of the evening. From a poker game at the UN (with a poke at George Bush’s foreign policies) to a sizzling parody of Chicago’s “Cell Block Tango,” the show managed to be as politically incorrect as is possible at U of T.
As well, the show threw in a good sampling of random humour. Of particular note was Laurent Noonan’s hilarious impersonation of Antonio Banderas at a Taco Bell stand. I’m still laughing, a week later. Provided one went in with a light heart, and a willingness to listen to calculus jokes, Skule™ Nite was guaranteed to entertain just about everyone in attendance. One exception might have been those who don’t like the idea of Moses using a “GPS” (God Positioning Service) to find his way through the desert. The show only runs once a year, so I recommend you get your tickets for the 0T5 show as soon as they become available. Where else besides Ein-Stein’s are you going to get to see engineers singing, dancing and acting for ten bucks?
The Vision In His Head Ionesco Director Full Of Praise For Own Work by Tiffanie Ing
ABSURDIST PRAISE BUREAU
If you weren’t planning on going to see Hart House’s double-billed productions of The Bald Soprano and Jack or The Submission, cancel whatever you were planning and go. The reason? You may never get a chance to see Jack again. One of Eugene Ionesco’s later, more experimental pieces, Jack is “so difficult that it is rarely ever staged,” says director Dan Leberg. “It’s one of the hardest plays I’ve ever read, and I figured that the only way to understand it was just to put it on its feet.” Leberg’s production offers more than just novelty. Among the gems of his staging is what he calls an “incredible set, with some of the best props ever seen on campus.” The aesthetically minded fun doesn’t end there. The production includes two dances choreographed by National Ballet School student Jesse Barkley. While none of the cast has had
THE PHOTO: COURTEST OF HART HOUSE
If you can’t understand this experimental dance, it’s not your fault. Blame it on Dan LeBerg, the frothy genius behind Hart House’s production of Ionesco and The Bald Soprano. any formal dance training, they are “just actors who can dance,” enthuses Leberg. “We’re doing some of the most daring choreography on campus…leaps, lifts, twirls…”
Leberg hopes dance will tie together the themes of the two plays. While The Bald Soprano and Jack are intended as separate one-acts, Leberg also wants the audience to be able to view
by Spence Bruce
EUROPEAN PATERNALISM BUREAU
Opportunity: see a French film. You can tell your friends that you are not the insular numbskull that you know you are. The plot is light, the dialogue is simple and the performances are reliable. And it’s in French. Père et Fils is about Leo, played by Philippe Noiret, a lonely father who rarely gets to see his three sons. While they all love their father, they are estranged, each bearing his grudge. After a fainting spell Leo devises a plan. He invents a heart condition and tells his sons all about the risky surgery that he needs, in a setup curiously reminiscent of The Royal Tenenbaums. Thinking that their father has only a short while to live, his antagonist sons agree to leave France with him to go to Québec to see les baleines (the whales). Although subsequent events are rather predictable, this does not detract from the movie, rather it somehow improves the pacing and flow of the action. In years past all three sons worked in the family plumbing-fixtures company. David (Charles Berling) runs the company frenetically, though
them as consecutive acts of the same show. “They’re visually similar in that it’s all the same set pieces in different arrangements. Jack takes place in the ruins of the living room at the end of The Bald Soprano.” The dark absurdist plays, which Leberg calls “wickedly funny,” provided quite a challenge for the cast. “The Bald Soprano has actor traps, and with Jack, we just spent the first two months of rehearsal trying to figure it out.” Leberg himself had to push the envelope of his directing abilities to make some very inaccessible texts workable for his cast. He feels that they’ve succeeded, though: “I think Ionesco would approve…if I can make people see the vision I have in my head of Ionesco’s work, then I’ve done my job.”
with apparent success. Recently he was forced to fire his brother Max (Bruno Putzulu), which in turn has created mutual enmity. The youngest brother Simon (Pascal Elbe, who also co-wrote the film) continues to work for his brother, but prefers to smoke pot and remain aloof rather than inconveniencing himself with his family’s troubles. The film’s subject and style are somewhat atypical of modern mainstream cinema. That is, the story of a family’s reunion is like a love story without romantic love, a chick-flick without any chicks. This works to the filmmaker’s advantage, freeing
him from getting ensnared by a deluge of clichés. The movie is engaging; Noiret bears a striking resemblance to a long-faced, bewildered Albert Einstein. Since nearly all screen time is allocated to just four characters that are basically together throughout the film, each character is well developed. The viewer is able to appreciate the range of father-son and fraternal relationships between the characters. After the film you will be struck with the urge to call up your father to tell him you love him. Heck, do it now.
Kevin Smith
filmmaking? After all, Smith’s next project is an adaptation of the comic book and television series The Green Hornet. Doesn’t that type of high-gloss superhero project involve more than the director can handle? To his credit, Smith waves off his nervous handlers, who beg that we’ve run out of time. He stares right at your nervous reporter and smiles. “You’re right. I’ll have to become a real director. I can’t just have the hero talk about action that happens off screen. I actually asked them (the Producers of the film) about that. I was pleased that I might have to work harder and become more diligent, but don’t worry. The more bombastic stuff is done by the second unit director and a choreographer, so I can be even lazier!”
Continued from Page 1 wanted to write Carlin’s dream role, crediting him with “A life that’s been lived, not just lived through,” but the legendary comedian suggested “a clergyman who strangles six children.” The director seemed down-toearth and relaxed, riffing freely throughout the profanity laced interview on the companies he’ll never work for again (Universal, ABC, Warner Brothers, and more) and the value of creating an insulated film world populated by friends-cum-recurring characters, whom he refers to as his “support team.” But there is one nagging question, brought up early in our time together: What about
Attention First-Year Arts and Science Students! Need help choosing a program? Come to Arts and Science Options 2004 University College, East and West Hall St. George Campus 15 Kingʼs College Circle Noon – 2 pm
Humanities and Social Sciences Thursday, March 18, 2004
Sciences
Friday, March 19, 2004 Counsellors from all Arts and Science programs on the St. George Campus will be available to answer your questions on courses, programs and career options.
the newspaper U of T’s Independent Weekly
6
THE BACK PAGE
the newspaper
the five-buck lunch
by Matt Gloyd
Tandoori Flavour 455 Spadina Ave (Spadina & College) Just north of College Street on the east side of Spadina lies a little restaurant with a neon heart in the window. The heart is a remnant of the property’s former owners, Pizza Heart, but now symbolizes (at least my love) of damn good Indian Food. Two veggie or meat Samosas can be had for $2. Stick to the veggie samosas as they are better sized portions. The Veggie Dishes—curried spinach, chickpeas, curried peas, and lentils are all $4.25 or less and highly recommended. The wraps are worth a try, all under $4.25 too, with a soft drink included. You get a choice of kebab, chicken or vegetable. Tandoori is student-friendly. They use Halal meat, accept Interac and if you show your student card you’ll get 15% off your order. This place is a great way to add a little spice to those bland March days.
Friday March 19th at Lee’s Palace. One of the happiest moments in a young person’s life comes when his or her favorite dance night escapes 56 Kensington. Expensive Shit moves to Lee’s this week, and the griminess of its former location makes the joint look like a Palace. Expect the usual dance-friendly indie. People will collapse due to sexual frenzy instead of heatstroke. Free before 11 and five bucks after, with a live performance by The Bush League at midnight.
Black Moon Friday March 19 at The Opera House. Maybe
the comics Dinosaur Comics
Read more comics online at www.qwantz.com Thanks to Orvo!
Jason at University
Read more comics online at www.jasonkieffercomics.com
Ryan North
THE PHOTO: MATT GLOYD
filling the hours Expensive Shit
18 March 2004
the newspaper’s guide to spending your time what you can and features The Great Lakes Swimmers and Natacha’s Sound System, and the show starts at nine. For ten bucks you’ll see musicians like the Creeping Nobodies, Egg and Les Georges Leningrad. And The Blankket.
Jason Kieffer
Edit the newspaper! A job so easy even we could do it, yet so dif-
ficult we want you to! News and Arts Co-Editor positions available! Varsity cast-offs and the well rested need not apply! Associate editors, too! Business managers! Unrivalled power! Just come by.
th
they’ve only put out three records in ten years, but Black Moon’s latest Total Eclipse is amazing. This rare live appearance means you have at least two plans this Friday.
Brave New Waves Saturday March 20 at The Drake Hotel. Brave th
New Waves has been serving and confounding music geeks for two decades. Celebrate inclusive snobbery at this daylong event. The matinee is pay
the etymology Leprechaun At this time of year it is quite easy to create an image of a leprechaun in our minds: a small green-clad fellow with a pipe in his mouth, shamrock in his hat, fanciful shoes on his feet, and a pot o’ gold at a rainbow’s end. The origin of the word traces back to Old Irish, a language entirely different from Modern Irish, and the word lu chorpan. The stem of this compound word, lu, means “small,” while chorpan signifies “body.” Chorpan can be further traced back to the Latin word corpus, also meaning “body.” Over time, the etymology of the word changed
the crossword
by Miyoko Ohtake
from “small body” to “half brogue,” due to folk mythology. “Half brogue” refers to a small shoe, which links this theory of etymology to another theory, which is not entirely accurate, that has reduced “small body” to “one shoemaker.” Both refer to a similar occupational characteristic of a leprechaun: a cobbler. The one shoe reference is in regards to frequent representations of a solitary leprechaun repairing one shoe, instead of a pair. Although Latin had an early influence on this Irish word, “leprechaun” was not introduced into the English language until 1604.
A Puzzle for the Green-Blooded Down 1. Error, as in judgement. 2. The Isle, and green gemstones. 3. - monthly stress? 4. “By ____” (exactly; off by heart). 5. Successor to cassette-tape? 6. See 20-across 7. “So be it,” among churchy people? 8. Tidy; prim and proper. 13. What you get if you find a shamrock? 16. Those ones over there? 17. “____ Mile Failte!” (Hundred Thousand Welcomes!). 23. March 17 and July 1, for example. 24. Mystical trees of the Celts? 25. Dank; moist. 27. Indian woman’s garment? 30. “___’s porridge in the pot, nine days old!” 32. A cheap pen- and razormaker. 34. Scarborough’s speedy little trains. Across 1. Lucky little dude with lots of gold. 9. Snowballs and rocks, to boys. 10. Poorly lit (or stupid). 11. Younger sibling at studytime? 12. Old-school Super Nintendo rival? 14. The first Bush? 15. And so on… 18. “___ on my watch!”
19. Unit of corn. 20. 6-down counterpart, in wardrobes. 21. The Irish one separates the “British” Isles. 22. Ritalin’s target? 24. Weird. 26. Physicians? 28. West-coast metro? 29. Immediately. 31. Jut up against. 33. Kind of maid? (French for 21-down). 35. Congee constituent? 36. Happy __ _________’s Day!
The Soapbox
Rosena Fung
by Morgon Mills
Last Issue’s Solution
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The Knowledge Navigators Time constraints? Writer’s block? Can’t find the right research materials you need? We can help! The Knowledge Navigators (416) 9609042 Fax (416) 960-0240 customessay@bellnet.ca
ARE YOU OR WERE YOU LABELED A ‘SLUT’ IN YOUR HIGH SCHOOL? ARE YOU BETWEEN THE AGES OF 13–100? I AM A PRODUCING A TELEVISION DOCUMENTARY ON THE MYTHOLOGY OF THE HIGH SCHOOL SLUT AND WOULD LOVE TO TALK TO YOU. PLEASE CONTACT ANDREA AT highschooldoc@hotmail.com or 1-866-344-3655 or 902-444-3655.
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