Take Effect Sept

First-Year Showcase

Adrienne Sato

Senior Staff Writer

Last Sunday, 16 first-year students performed in Oberlin’s annual First-Year Variety Showcase hosted by the Obertones at Finney Chapel. The night’s performances ranged from musical acts, including singer-songwriters and improvised soundscapes to taekwondo and magic tricks. The Obertones also performed three pieces over the course of the night.

College first-year Max Lang performed two original pieces at the showcase. Despite only having performed their original music once before, they decided to sign up for the showcase after being encouraged by some friends. Lang mentioned that the energy in the crowd helped them get over some of their initial stage fright.

“The crowd in there was so supportive of every single person that went up, and it was just a really, really good feeling,” Lang said. “I was honestly worried. I’ve heard so many things about upperclassmen being scary to the [first-years], so honestly how good the crowd was was great.”

According to College fourth-years Nihal Kodavarti and Elliot Davey, event organizers and co-presidents of the Obertones, nearly 300 students came to Finney for the show.

“It was really nice to see people were really hyping each other up — not just the performers, but the audience was all really excited,” Kodavarti said. “It was also nice because it wasn’t just first-years in the audience; the show is open to everyone.”

College first-year Jo O’Leary attended the showcase and mentioned how much they enjoyed seeing the amount of talent within their class.

“I was deeply impressed by everybody who performed,” O’Leary said. “Everybody was really amazing, but also everybody was really human. People made mistakes up there like everybody does, and that made me think, ‘Maybe I could do something in the future if I feel so inclined.’”

Kodavarti and Davey said that the purpose of the event was to help build a stronger community among first-year students.

“It’s a nice way for people who are new to the school to make themselves known and also get to know their classmates,” Davey said.

Davey also mentioned that during sound check, first-year performers were able to start creating a community with one another.

“It’s really nice to watch the change in energy from when these 16 nervous first-years walk into Finney Chapel and sort of begin talking to each other, and then by the end of it they’re all so excited,” Davey said.

Lang agreed that the showcase was important in fostering connections between new Oberlin students.

“Another reason, I guess, is to introduce [the first-years] not only to other [first-years] but to other students as well and to just kind of make connections across the campus community,” Lang said. “I’ve definitely made a lot of connections with other students after performing, and I think that was a really great part of the experience.”

Davey echoed the sentiment, adding that the supportive feeling at the showcase was something that is a hallmark of the Oberlin community as a whole.

“It’s just really nice to see how supportive the Oberlin community is of each other and of the people who are new to our community,” Davey said. “One of the reasons that I came to Oberlin in the first place was how welcoming the student body is, so seeing that that welcoming spirit is still really alive and well is one of my favorite things about this show.” Photo courtesy of @oberlinpal/Instagram, middle left: Mike Crupi

Malcolm Bamba

Arts & Culture Editor Mira peers around a corner in her Irma Vep costume. Photo courtesy of HBO

HBO’s Irma Vep is able to shine beyond its languid pacing in an unflinching yet humorous depiction of modern filmmaking. The series follows Mira (Alicia Vikander), a disillusioned actress navigating the foreign territory of French cinema, as she stars as black-suit specter vampiress Irma Vep in a remake of the 1915–16 silent serial film Les Vampires. The production of Les Vampires under French director René Vidal (Vincent Macaigne) allows the series to work as a meta-commentary on modern-day filmmaking.

What is particularly compelling about Mira’s character is that her cynicism toward her Hollywood success is not framed around seediness or exploitation. Instead, it is used to reveal a series of truths and ironies often taken at face value within modern cinema.

Director Olivier Assayas’ choice to highlight the locales — craft services, Parisian hotel rooms, and actor trailers — pulls the curtain back and exposes the mundane realities of life beyond the silver screen.

Irma Vep interweaves the series’ own footage with scenes from Les Vampires, giving viewers a window into French filmmaking of the 1910s. These flashback scenes, which are reenacted by the present-day cast of Irma Vep, highlight the rudimentary elements of filmmaking in the early 20th century. This is exemplified in a scene in which Irma Vep, played by Mira, lies in the path of an oncoming freight train before successfully escaping at the last second. This is contrasted by cast and crew ushering the actress off to another gig after completing the death-defying stunt.

Vikander and Macaigne’s performances weave together masterfully across the show’s eight-hour runtime. While Vikander’s portrayal of Mira demonstrates the mundane aspects of life as a global star, Macaigne’s portrayal of Vidal showcases the sacrifices required of those who devote their energy toward ensuring film projects see the light of day.

Throughout the series, Mira also attempts to avoid obligations at the advice of her agent Zelda (Carrie Brownstein). She fears the professional impediments of forming anything more than a friendship with her assistant Regina (Devon Ross) after a failed relationship with her previous assistant Laurie (Adria Arjona). Mira passes through many phases of her life and career, which makes her evolution into the “ghost” of Irma Vep — who phases through hotel walls — seem like a natural evolution of the character.

The series utilizes René Vidal’s character to examine the transcendental nature of cinema for the artists involved. His failed marriage to Jade Lee, the lead actress in the 1996 film of Irma Vep, acts as a thematic throughline for his arc. In the series finale, Vidal returns to the material world and reaffirms his devotion to his estranged wife and children. While Vidal remains grounded, Mira’s physical form is subsumed by the character of Irma Vep.

In its sincere exploration of filmmaking, Irma Vep is able to uniquely balance conversations around legacy casting; remakes, reboots, and retellings; and the merits of authenticity when adopting source material. Rather than telling a story about cinema with the noise of lights, cameras, and theatrics, Irma Vep instead uses an unconventional ghost story — a film that encapsulates the spirits of past lives and blurs the lines between the real and the imagined.

Comic: Taking Stock

Anya Spector, OC ’19 Reprinted from Sept. 14, 2018

September 9, 2022

CONSERVATORY

Established 1874 Volume 152, Number 1

Chinese Students Remain on Campus Amid Covid Restrictions

A common area between Kohl and Robertson Conservatory buildings.

Photo by Abe Frato

Gracie McFalls

Senior Staff Writer

Since the beginning of the pandemic, China’s strict COVID-19 policies have been recognized for their lengthy quarantine times, lockdowns, restrictions, and tightly protected travel policies.

Color-coded QR codes are scanned to track positive cases in every public space, and the government continues to routinely place cities on lockdown if a handful of cases are reported. This is all part of China’s zero-COVID policy, which, although proven to be effective at controlling the spread of disease, makes international travel difficult.

A flight to China is expensive, with some tickets running into the thousands of dollars. Additionally, the flights themselves must be direct so as not to risk possible contamination during layovers. Masking is strongly encouraged at all times, so eating is difficult, and upon arrival, travelers take buses, trains, and boats to get to government-mandated quarantine facilities for an additional minimum of 14 days. These facilities, by the way, are paid out of pocket. Thus, despite not having been home for months or years, many Chinese Conservatory students opted to remain in Oberlin over the summer. One such student is Conservatory second-year Allison Du. “I would say the biggest reason not to go home is financial,” Du said. “You might have to pay someone to help you get the ticket. Then there is also the time it takes to quarantine and all of that. So by the time you’re done, it’s already a month out of your vacation. At home, it’s just my mom. I really miss home, but she’s afraid of the relationship between China and the U.S., like if the protocol changes [and] I might not be able to get back here.”

This situation is familiar for many Chinese students in the Conservatory. Zihua Ma, a thirdyear violinist, recounts the ways that Chinese international students have stayed close through it all, playing online card games and eating meals together.

“I actually have not heard of any Chinese students that went home,” Ma said. “I would say there were about 20 of us total.”

Another big reason to stay in Oberlin is free practice time. While the rooms of Robertson Hall are filled with the sounds of students practicing during the school year, summer is a time of quiet. Additionally, there are no pianos in China’s quarantine facilities. This quiet really helped Jiaming Li, a fourth-year Conservatory pianist.

“I think staying here still has benefits,” Li said. “It has made me focus more on playing piano, so it actually is a good thing for me.”

Du felt similarly.

“I can still study with my teacher and practice in whatever practice room I want, even in the concert halls,” she said.

Recently, a much faster route through Hong Kong has made it easier for Chinese students to travel home in a timely manner. However, this news didn’t come until the end of August, too late for any such summer travel to be possible.

“So many of us are sad and mad,” Ma said. “There is a solution there, but you can do nothing. … We believe in our country so much but we feel like we are not accepted there. That’s so hard, and on top of that, this is the first time many of us are living alone. Many of my friends miss home so much they cry a lot. They haven’t been home in months and months and are having to figure so much out by themselves in a language they aren’t as familiar with.”

Despite all of this, Ma and Du both remain excited for the start of the new school year. Ma in particular looks forward to continuing to enjoy the new experiences this unique situation brings.

“I learned how to set up furniture recently,” she said. “Growing up in China, I spent so much of my time studying and practicing that I feel like now I can finally spend time with my friends and have fun. Even though we really miss our families, we’re still growing up and learning new things.”

Artist Recital Series Brings Star Power to Conservatory Stage

Walter Thomas-Patterson

Conservatory Editor

After a two-year pandemic hiatus, the Conservatory Artist Recital Series will return with three concerts spread across the 2022–23 academic year. Featuring a diverse set of Oberlin-associated performers who reflect a variety of post-Conservatory music careers, from Baroque bands to multi-instrumental recording artists, the series will provide a snapshot of post-Conservatory musical possibilites. The revived recital will not operate at the same capacity as the most recent series in 2019, which featured a more densely packed schedule.

In September, MacArthur Genius Award Winner and Vocal Performance alumna Rhiannon Giddens will perform alongside singer Francesco Turrisi in a collage-style acoustic performance featuring selections from their Grammy-award winning album They’re Calling Me Home, which delves into the concept of home as both a real and imagined place.

In November, the Oberlin-bred baroque ensemble ACRONYM will reimagine the works of antiquated 17th century composers into a program aptly called “Dreams of the Wounded Musketeer.” The New York-based ensemble gained notoriety for their sensitive presentations of fairytale myths in a present-day context.

The last concert, which is not until April, will feature acclaimed classical pianist Bruce Liu, winner of the XVIII International Chopin Competition in Warsaw, Poland. Liu, a former student of Conservatory Piano Professor Dang Thai Son, will perform in Oberlin’s Finney Chapel, which will be his final concert before his Carnegie Hall Debut.

The series is returning to a mostly positive reception from students, who are itching to attend live concerts from contemporary stars. For third-year Conservatory pianist Kyra Lombard, who watched Liu perform at the Chopin competition last year, the chance to see him live provides a welcome example of pianistic virtuosity.

“I cannot wait to see Bruce Liu,” Lombard said. “I appreciated his playing at the Chopin Competition. It’s just incredibly mature and thoughtful and he has this innate sense of musicality.”

College third-year Felix Weber echoed this sentiment and noted the relative significance of Liu as a trail-blazing pianist who represents an earlier time of classical composition.

“It seems like good music, and I’m particularly excited to see Bruce Liu because of his dynamic and sensitive approach. He represents a ground-breaking generation of classical musicians. I’m so excited to experience the series because I’ve never seen it before,” Weber said.

Yet, for third-year College student Barry Zhang who spent time as a Conservatory student during the pre-pandemic era, the return of the Artist Recital Series feels woefully insufficient.

“Three performances across a year of school doesn’t really feel like a series — it feels more like three high-profile performances,” Zhang said. “I’m hoping that in future years it will be able to expand and really feel like a series.”

Zhang explained the unsettling feeling he encountered when he first opened the page featuring the artists who would perform as part of the series.

“I remember initially opening the page and wondering, ‘Wait, is this all there is to offer?’” Zhang said.

For Conservatory Dean William Quillen, however, the return of the Artist Recital Series represents a much-needed reset. Quillen is looking forward to the return of the series alongside the other high-profile performances Oberlin Conservatory students will participate in, including the Sonny Rollins Jazz Ensemble’s trip to the Lincoln Center and the Oberlin Musical Union’s trip to Carnegie Hall.

“We are just so glad to have these performers make their way back to Oberlin,” Quillen said.

Zoe Kuzbari

Contributing Sports Editor

Last Saturday, first-year Elly Scheer scored the field hockey team’s first goal of the season, helping it win an overtime game against Nazareth College on Oberlin’s very own Bailey Field. While she generally plays defense, her offensive goal brings hope for more victories this season. Scheer has played field hockey since fifth grade and previously played lacrosse and ice hockey as well. Off the field, she’s a prospective Sociology major who enjoys reading and spending time with her friends.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

How did it feel to score the first goal of the season?

Scoring my goal was definitely a remarkable moment for me, not just because it was the first goal of the season but because it was also the first goal of my collegiate career. It was also the first home game, so scoring on our own turf made it that much more special. Having the entire team run up and tackle me down to the turf was something that made my work worth it; that recognition from the players whom I look up to every day was a feelgood moment on its own.

How do you think this goal and overtime win will dictate the rest of your season this year?

The win will definitely set a tone for the rest of the season and has already motivated us to work harder to gain that same feeling again. Having the stress of an overtime game is something that our team hasn’t dealt with before, and coming out on top was really exciting. I can already see an attitude change within our practices and in the locker room — we’re striving for the next victory.

What are some of your personal goals for your first season on the team? Did scoring this goal change some of your plans for what you want to accomplish this season?

As a first-year, my goal is to live up to the expectations of both my team and my coaches. As a defender, I’m still learning my place on the [defensive] line with the returning players, and I’m aiming to make a presence on the field and show my teammates that they can count on me to do my part. My first season will set the tone for the rest of my career, and gaining respect from my team and coaches on and off the field will help elevate my game.

Scoring definitely helped me gain a lot more confidence on the field. When I showed up to my first practice during preseason, I was simply trying to get playing time. Now that I have achieved that, the next step is to challenge myself to learn that it’s okay not to be perfect. Finding comfort in making mistakes is something that I’m working on to make myself a better player and challenge myself to do things that I might have been scared to do in the past.

What made you choose Oberlin field hockey when deciding on a college?

Coach Jess West and the team were so supportive throughout the entire recruitment process. I could depend on them with anything, and they were respectful of my decision regardless of the school I chose. I knew I wanted to focus more on academics than athletics, and finding a balance between the two was difficult. I knew from the moment I came to campus that this was the community I wanted to be a part of. After meeting with multiple coaches and teams, I felt like I already had a place in the OC field hockey family, which was something I hadn’t felt with any other school.

Elly Scheer runs on the field during the game against Nazareth. Courtesy of Chase Sortor

How long have you been playing field hockey, and how did you get into the sport?

I’ve played for roughly nine years now. My first coach convinced me to play club shortly after fifth grade and later inspired me to play at a higher level. I was unsure about playing in college until my junior year of high school. I still email him and update him on how my experience has been, and I dedicate my playing to him as he believed in me since day one.

What is one thing you are most looking forward to this season? How has your experience with the team been thus far?

I’m especially excited about the accomplishments my team is going to make this season. I know that we are working harder than ever to prove that we are capable of more than what the records from our previous seasons have shown. I am looking forward to the special moments I’m going to be able to share with them through each achievement. My experience with this team has been more than I could ask for, and I’ve already made memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.

Club Sports Competition Intense, Fun for Athletes

Continued from page 16 competitive Frisbee before coming to Oberlin.

“A lot of people come in not knowing how to throw a disc,” SterlingAngus said. “You can improve really quickly if you’re committed to it, though.”

Following the Preying Manti’s success, the men’s open ultimate team, the Flying Horsecows, went to nationals last season and earned fifth place among the Division III colleges. College fourth-year captain Jack Povilaitis, also known as “Jack Hands,” mentioned that the countless hours the members spent playing with each other contributed to their progression to nationals. The team also found success from developing the A and B team system that is similar to a varsity and junior varsity setup. Like many Horsecows and Manti members, Povilaitis came in not knowing how to throw a Frisbee.

“Most players want to continue doing something athletic after high school or want to start,” Povilaitis said. “One of our top scorers now played soccer in high school, and one of the captains last year … didn’t know how to throw at first [and] became one of the best players on the team.”

Second-year Josh Willmore is a varsity athlete on the football team, but is still able to prioritize the Horsecows off the football field. Many Frisbee players have other priorities, but the flexibility of club sports allows them to participate when they can. Wilmore believes that Frisbee has helped his football skills, and has seen improvement since his last season. Sometimes he goes to football practice during the day and then throws Frisbee at night with the rest of the team. Willmore isn’t the only varsity athlete who has made time for club sports. Third-year field hockey captain Susan RobinsonCloete participated in rugby events such as rugby prom, and third-year Adrienne Sato, who is on the women’s soccer team, practiced with the ice hockey club.

Rugby is one of the most rigorous club sports on any college campus — the women’s and trans team, the Rhinos, and the men’s team, the Gruffs, play against other schools within the region for tournaments and scrimmages. Last season, the Gruffs attended the Allegheny Rugby Union Spring 7s Championship and won the tournament’s Spoon championship. Likewise, the Rhinos played against nearby colleges such as Kenyon College and Baldwin Wallace University.

All Obies, whether they are just looking to kick and throw a ball or are a DIII athlete looking to play another sport on the side, have the option of club sports to have fun and compete extensively. The flexibility of club sports allows students to engage with athletics while maintaining their regular schedules. These clubs not only form a culture of support but also push their members to improve their skills. From fencing to ultimate Frisbee to rugby, students can take a shot at sports they have never tried before and discover a new talent.