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Volume 54, Issue 97 | Thursday, March 5, 2020 | ndsmcobserver.com
Professor helps ‘The Lion King’ play Famous Saint Mary’s professor aids Broadway wardrobe department for visiting show author to speak at ND
By GENEVIEVE COLEMAN News Writer
Melissa Bialko will be assisting the costume department of the Broadway production of “The Lion King,” which will run at South Bend’s Morris Performing Arts Center from March 4 to March 22. Bialko, Saint Mary’s theatre professor and professional specialist in costume design, said she got the position working on the show through a stagehand union called International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, or IATSE.
“My first gig with our local stagehands union, Local 187, was in September 2005, so I’ve been working with this local for quite some time,’’ she said. “Being a member of the union, there is a call order for each position. I was called in ranking order to fulfill that position, which is a wardrobe member.’’ Bialko said she is humbled to take on the role for the show. “I feel great pride in any work that I can get to do in theatre, and it’s kind of like candy to me to get to work on something
see LION KING PAGE 3
Observer Staff Report
CRISTINA INTERIANO | The Observer
The traveling Broadway production of ‘The Lion King’ is visiting South Bend’s Morris Performing Arts Center for the next three weeks.
Domers practice English, American culture at club By HANNAH TONSOR News Writer
The English Language Table for International Students is a diverse program that aids foreign and native students and staff in their understanding of the English language, as well as American culture. Held in 334 Bond Hall on the first and third Thursday of each month, the event invites both native and non-native speakers to join in fellowship as they practice the English language together. “It’s a relaxed, social gathering where people can come to ask questions about the English language or American culture and to make friends with other people on campus,” said Lisa Oglesbee, coordinator of English for academic purposes. Undergraduate, graduate, faculty, doctorate and postdoctorate members of the Notre Dame community are all welcome to attend the bimonthly event. “Anybody who wants to practice their spoken English is invited. We have students that come, staff that comes and even spouses that come,” Lea Barthuly, a head faculty leader of the program, said.
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The meetings often run through prepared questions, Barthuly said. After splitting into small groups, a question is read aloud, and the attendees are encouraged to answer in English. Each small group includes at least one native English speaker who is able to answer any questions participants may have about pronunciation or grammar. The questions are meant to help participants practice their English and get to know their fellow attendees. Barthuly said “Would You Rather” has been played in the past as an entertaining way to pose new questions, practice the language and enjoy the company of fellow peers. In addition to the interactive practice students and staff gain from attending the English Table, attendees also get to enjoy the food provided at each event, Barthuly said. A different snack is prepared each week, and participants get to enjoy their treat all while sharing in community with other campus members. Xin Li, a visiting PhD student from China, has been attending the English table ever since she first arrived at Notre Dame. In addition to the learning opportunities
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the event provides, Li said English Table can be a wonderful opportunity to get to know other cultures and deepen the understanding of diversity on campus. Because there are so many cultures represented at the English Table, attending the event is a wonderful opportunity to enrich one’s knowledge of different people and cultures all across campus, as well as the world, Barthuly said. “I think that it’s a place for people to come and talk about their lives in a safe setting and feel like they have the time to express themselves despite their language ability,” Barthuly said. “It’s an environment where no one is expected to be perfect.” Barthuly encourages any student, whether a native or non-native speaker, to attend and join the English Table community. “We’re here to provide a community and language help, as well as cultural assistance,” Oglesbee said. “We do a lot to provide services across the board for our international friends on campus.” Contact Hannah Tonsor at htonsor@nd.edu
VIEWPOINTPAGE 6
Award-winning author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie will speak at Notre Dame on March 19, the University announced in a Wednesday press release. The event is part of see AUTHOR PAGE 4
University warns against travel, cancels programs Observer Staff Report
In preparation for spring break, any student, faculty or staff member who chooses to travel to China, South Korea, Italy or Iran — which have been placed at a Level 3 travel advisory warning because of COVID-19 — may
in an email to the campus community. Any visitors or residents from a country which has been designated a Level 3 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) must also self-isolate for 14 days and obtain medical clearance, the email said.
CRISTINA INTERIANO | THE OBSERVER
not return to campus until they have self-isolated for 14 days and received proof of medical clearance from a physician, said Paul Browne, vice president for public affairs and communications,
In addition, the University has cancelled its 2020 summer programs in China and Italy. Other study abroad programs will continue,
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MEN’S BASKETBALL PAGE 12
see VIRUS PAGE 4