The Vista Sept. 26, 2006

Page 1

The Student Voice Since 1903 University of Central Oklahoma

Tuesday, september, 26, 2006

'Heritage' makes theatre history with North American debut at UCO "Heritage" tells the story of Irish farmers living in Canada between 1914-1920 before Ireland split politically. by Steven Reckinger Copy Editor The North American debut of Nicola McCartney’s play, “Heritage,” performed at Mitchell Hall Theater Sept. 21 - 24, speaks about social, political, and religious pressure between a Catholic and Protestant family. “Heritage” tells the story of Irish farmers living in Canada between 1914-1920 before Ireland split politically. Although the play takes place in a Canadian fictional town, the Irish influence seems strong among the characters. Michael Donaghue, played by actor Daniel Gilbert plays a Catholic who falls in love with Protestant Sarah McCrea, played by Kaitlin Kuykendall. Their newfound relationship causes tension between their families as well as society. The narration is mostly taken from Sarah’s point of view. The similarities with “Romero and Juliet” are evident, including a similar ending, but only act as a foundation to the plot. The emphasis centers more on what’s going on within society rather than the growing relationship itself. Michael and Sarah both possess a sort of chemistry that makes the audience deeply sympathize with their characters. They try to live in the moment, having fun telling each other stories and role-playing characters from ancient folklore. The different scenarios that result from their carefree attitudes become the motivation of the story, creating conflict in an idealistic society. More importantly, the hostility that erupts between the families defines what the play is really about. Sarah’s family sways more toward the fact that Michael is Catholic. Michael’s family tries to integrate the public view into the situation. Measuring between religious bigotry and social pressure construct the whole piece successfully. by Vista photographer Alex Gambill One of the most powerful scenes occurs when Sarah’s father discovers her disobediUCO theatre students Jeff Burks and Jillian Gokey act in 'Heritage,' Sept. 24 in Mitchell Hall. The ence of seeing Michael after being forbidden play's about Irish immigrants in Canada during 1914 to 1920.

to. The father’s good nature in the beginning becomes disruptive when he lashes out violently against his daughter, beating her with his belt. Sarah interprets the incident as an innocent form of dance, in an attempt to disregard her father’s wrong intentions. The actors’ performance sets out to disturb as well as spellbind the audience with its sublime feeling. The importance of heritage according to traditional values separates the older generation with the new. The parents of both children live their lives by strict customs, while Michael and Sarah have adapted to social change and ignore the conventional means of heritage by believing in the importance of culture rather than limiting themselves to a physical setting. One of Michael’s statements said during the play seems to identify the theme. He says someone doesn’t have to be born in a country to belong to it. It’s a simple message that indicates that heritage symbolizes more than just birthright. The dramatic revelation of the play’s climax shows us the consequences of giving into social influence. The open-ended conclusion doesn’t try to preach about specific views. It signifies a girl’s perspective on how she views life before and after the tragic death of Michael, while trying to save Sarah’s family’s farm after being ignited on fire. Seeing “Heritage” for the first time in North America at UCO makes it quite an honor to experience. It premiered in Edinburgh, Scotland at the Traverse Theatre in 1998. UCO Theatre Department and Oregon State University theatre guest director Charlotte Headrick did an excellent job producing “Heritage,” from the elaborate set design to the stage direction. The actors showed their extraordinary talents in a production that will hopefully be remembered in theatre history. Steve Reckinger can be reached at sreckinger@ thevistaonline.com.

Edgar Cruz to perform during Hispanic Heritage Week "Everything we raise will go for a good cause." by Ivo Lupov Staff Writer Acoustic guitarist Edgar Cruz will perform a concert at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 4, as part of UCO Annual Hispanic Heritage Week. The event will benefit Oklahoma Muscular Dystrophy Association. Organized and sponsored by UCO’s Hispanic American Association and Multicultural Student Services, the concert will be held in Constitution Hall.

“He is a very good guitarist,” said Erica Balderas, president of HASA and current Miss Hispanic UCO. Her expectations of the concert are to raise money for MDA and inform students about Hispanic culture. “Everything we raise will go for a good cause,” Balderas said. Named the best Oklahoma Performing Artist/ Acoustic Guitarist three years in a row, Edgar Cruz performs more than 200 concerts around

the country every year and is well known as a contributor to many charitable events. “I have always support MDA in the past,” Cruz said. He said, he will perform some of his greatest hits recorded on CD. The concert will include Latin Classical, Rock, Jazz, Pop and country music. Some of the festivals he took part in of are Global Oklahoma, Paseo Festival and Festival of the Arts. “Edgar Cruz’s nephew has muscular dystrophy, and he

was interested in pairing with the organization that can build funds for MDA,” said Meshawn Conley, UCO director of Multicultural Student Services. “He has been a long time supporter,” said Andria Pope, director of Oklahoma MDA. According to her, Edgar Cruz offered to donate the concert to MDA. The financial goal of the concert is to raise $5,000, Pope said. “Edgar Cruz himself is a Hispanic so he has special interest in pairing with HASA,” she

said. cert. Besides Edgar Cruz, As part of Hispanic Heritage some of the UCO Hispanic Week, HASA will sell burriAmerican Association mem- tos Sept. 1, from 9 a.m. till bers will perform during noon in front of Broncho Lake. the concert, Conley said. Tuesday in Heritage room “We have been working in NUC, Marceline Garcia, on it for the past two months owner of Chelino’s restaurants and our primary responsibility will be a guest speaker, talkis to make the campus aware ing about the American Dream. of the concert,” Conley said. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets’ price will be $10 and they can be purchased in room 424 in Ivo Lupov can be reached at UCO’s Nigh University Center ilupov@thevistaonline.com. or at the door prior to the con-

by Andrew Knittle Staff Writer

Workers’ Compensation Fraud Unit. In an April 10 news release, Oklahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson stated Tetteh injured both of his hands sometime in March 2003, at which point Tetteh filed for workers’ compensation through UCO’s insurance carrier. Instead of taking time off to recuperate from his injuries, Edmondson alleges Tetteh continued working full-time, drawing two paychecks. “Oklahoma workers’ compensation laws state that individuals can receive tem-

porary total disability payments for work-related injuries, or they can receive their full paychecks,” Edmondson said. “Mr. Tetteh attempted to receive both. We allege he illegally took in $5,494.93.” Tetteh’s perjury charge stems from “allegedly lying under oath during a deposition about the length of time he did not work at the university following surgeries he had for his injuries,” the attorney general’s release said. Terminated by UCO May 5, Tetteh is due back in court Oct. 25 for a pre-trial conference.

Former UCO insurance coordinator to stand trial Visit www.thevistaonline.com to cast your vote in the latest poll. Results of The Vista online poll: Are you in favor of removing the H from Bronchos?

NO 57%

YES 43%

At a Sept. 12 preliminary hearing, an Oklahoma County judge ordered former UCO Risk and Insurance Coordinator George Tetteh to stand trial on fraud and perjury charges. Tetteh, 62, will face five counts of workers’ compensation fraud and one count of perjury. Promoted to Risk and Insurance coordinator in 2004, Tetteh was arrested April 10 following an investigation by the Oklahoma Attorney General’s

African countries in turmoil

See pg. 5

George Tetteh Andrew Knittle can be reached at aknittle@thevistaonline.com.

Bronchos win in New Mexico

See Sports pg. 10


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.