"Pulse"

from Volume 138 Spring 2023 Roundup Issue 9

Techno

Pierce College’s next theater production, the Broadway musical “Rent,” opens on May 5 at 8 p.m. in the Performing Arts Mainstage Theatre.

“Rent” is a two-act musical set in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s that guides the audience through the story of a group of friends residing in Manhattan’s East Village as they work to build the lives of their dreams.

Dale Van Slyke plays the role of

Mark Cohen, the narrator. Mark is a struggling documentary filmmaker who has recently broken up with another character in the show, Maureen. Mark serves as the connecting tissue between the roles in this musical.

According to Van Slyke, the themes that run throughout the musical, which are based on people’s constant struggle to follow their dreams and find what really matters most in life, are still relevant today.

“It takes place in the ‘80s and ‘90s. It is a period piece almost now,” Van Slyke said.

“But it’s like a lot of this stuff is coming back around with everything that is going on.”

“One of the more difficult things was being able to be open with my body in different ways with the movements that a stripper has to do,” Paez said.

The big mantra of “Rent” is “No day but today.” It is spoken often throughout the play.

“A lot of the characters in the show have been dealing with loss and grief and pain and feeling like there is nothing to look forward to,” Paez said. “I think with that message, ‘No day but today’, they are carrying this openness to take an opportunity in life and be in the moment. I think it is very important to push this message to do what you can and live in the moment, to take in every day like it is your last.”

Theater major Andrew

“‘Rent’ is really well-written. The more you jump into the script, the more you notice these small details that are in there,” Van Slyke said. “Each word of the lyrics is put down so meticulously. It is really amazing. It is so rich to jump in as an actor.”

Performances will be held on May 6, 7, 12, 13 and 14. Performance times are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. This is a twoact musical with an intermission.

Tickets are priced at $15 for students, $20 for seniors and $25 for general admission. Parking is free in Lot #6. LAPC Theatre’s venues are fully accessible to those with mobile disabilities and hearing impairments.

The Pierce College Film Club presented its firstsemester screening as part of the “AIsolation Film Series” at the Multicultural Center on Thursday.

The 2001 Japanese technohorror film is about ghosts invading the world of the living through the internet.

“The film is a very relevant look at how the internet can be such a powerful tool that can both bring us together and divide us," said Film major Devora Porter, who shared her take on the significance of "Pulse."

"It may feel like a human connection when we're using it and utilizing it. But ultimately, it's something that we have to experience by ourselves, and that can really negatively affect people who are going through several mental health issues.”