The Peace TimesVolume 15, Issue 7 The Student Newspaper of Peace College, Raleigh, N.C. Thursday, March 31, 2011

Peace College Ink Theatre ReviewWhy are tattoos so popular among students?

– Page 6Did Peace pull off Shakespeare?– Page 8

INSIDE: Find out what the month of March has to offer page 5

See “Abroad” pg. 2

Photo courtesy of Brenna Mickey

A group of Peace College students and faculty dress in traditional Japanese clothing. The group was in Japan last summer as part of a study abroad trip. See “Japan” pg. 2

Japan disaster hits close to home for Peace studentsBy Peace Times Staff

The Friday before Spring Break, a massive 8.9 magnitude earthquake hit northern Japan, prompting a massive tsunami that literally wiped away entire towns.

The current death toll is in the tens of thousands, and only climbing as more of the missing are confirmed dead.

The news hit one group of Peace College students particularly hard.

Last May, a group of students trav-eled to Japan as part of a study abroad program. Having spent time in the coun-try and having built relationships with some of the people there made the news even more difficult to digest.

“I didn’t really understand the extent of the damage until I saw pictures and heard about the death toll and the num-ber of missing people creeping up and

up,” said Viper Allan, a second-year stu-dent at Peace. “I checked up on my host family in Anjo, and they’re all fine.”

Brenna Mickey, Class of 2010 alumna who is currently a member of the Peace Corps, was also on the Japan trip.

“I was devastated when I heard that Japan was going through such trying times,” she said. “I emailed my host family and received a response the next day saying all was well with them and I hope the same is true today. It’s sur-real to think some of the places I visited were destroyed and is disheartening to think of all the lives that have been impacted.”

Stephanie Lilley, Class of 2010, was also on the trip.

Finding Peace in Spain: Student reflects on trip

By Taylor ShawToday is March 20, the first day of

spring. There is not a cloud in the sky, the sun is shining bright and the air is crisp and filled with the slight smell of croissants from a nearby bakery.

Spring signifies the coming out or blooming of the flowers that have been hiding from the harsh winter’s cold. It’s

a renewing process that the flowers go through year after year. I feel like one of those flowers.

I have been through a lot of different changes, good and bad, this semester, but now that the cold winds are no longer blowing. I am able to sway in the wind, with my sun kissed skin.

I arrived in Granada, Spain on Janu-

ary 14. With much anticipation, I was ready for a different culture, a different way of life, a new environment, new people to meet and a new language to learn.

I approached this task with all the emotions someone can feel at one time: happy, excited, nervous, sad, angry and overwhelmed.

After arriving, I had to undergo mi-nor adjustments, like taking at 15 minute shower, no longer driving to where I need to go, a different diet (breakfast was the biggest adjustment, consists of toast or a muffin and coffee), a brutally cold winter, wearing two sweatshirts in my house because heat is used spar-ingly, having class from 9:00 to 1:00 Monday through Friday and resisting to eat American food, such as Burger King during the first week of my ar-rival. I have succeeded. Needless to say, I have eaten Burger King twice in three months.

I love to look at the view from my window, a seven story apartment com-plex, where I stay with my host mother, Señora Carmen. I stay downtown.

There is always someone in the street. Many people don’t drive cars.

For those who do, Mercedes-Benz are very popular.

There are several bars on every street. Coca-cola is the soft drink of choice and Tinto de Verano (“Wine of the summer”, red wine mixed with soda) is what’s in everyone’s glasses at the bars. Tapas (appetizers) and friends go hand in hand. Dogs of all shapes, sizes and breeds are everywhere.

Everyone’s always on the move. People are so stylish: boots, skinny jeans, parachute pants and a-symmetri-cal haircuts. I have constantly wondered if people go to work because the streets are always full.

During siesta hours, stores are closed. The sidewalks made of marble. The country that I was hesitant to come to at first, has become my second home, the Spanish culture is amazing.

I was walking home one day from class, and I saw two men using sign language. This really struck me, simply because the language that was once con-sidered “foreign” to me has now become more like second nature.

Sometimes I have to refrain from speaking in Spanish to my family in the

Photo courtesy of Taylor Shaw

Taylor Shaw posing in Ronda, Spain. Shaw, a Peace College junior, has spent the Spring semester studying abroad at the University of Granada.

The Peace Times, Volume 15, Issue 7

News

15 East Peace Street

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“Japan”Continued from page 1

“Abroad”Continued from page 1

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“I was filled with a great sense of sadness when I heard of the earthquake in Japan,” she said.

Lilley immediately contacted her host family and former Peace Professor Dr. Eiko Koizumi who was also on the trip, and has family in Japan.

“I just can’t imagine what they are all going through with the rolling power black outs and the threat of a nuclear meltdown,” said Lilley.

States. I may talk to one of my friends at home and unconsciously speak in Span-ish. The same happens when I change my Facebook status, I have to think twice. Sign language can be considered a foreign language to me because I don’t “speak” the language, but Spanish no longer feels so foreign.

I had the privilege to travel to Mo-rocco. This was a truly unique experi-ence where I got to witness a unique culture that many don’t know much about, and the things they do know are preconceived due to misconceptions. Not to mention I received a stamp in my passport and rode a camel!

Class of 2010 alumna, Heather Louise Finch, says the Japanese people have been on her mind since she first heard the news.

“Japan is filled with the most friend-ly and beautiful people, it saddens me greatly to see all of the pain that they have endured,” said Finch. “Especially, considering there are still living survi-vors from Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the strength that they had to move forward, and forgive, will never cease to amaze me, and only represents the courage of the Japanese people.”

Lilley says the earthquake and tsunami also made her think of Hiro-

shima.“When visiting the Hiroshima

memorial during my time in Japan, I couldn’t imagine them having to go through something as devastating as that again, and it broke my heart to hear of another hard blow to the Japanese peo-ple,” she said. “I can only hope that the resilience, courage and determination will, once again, come back stronger than ever.”

Allan says the actions of the Japa-nese people since the disaster have impressed, but not surprised her.

“I’m amazed by the moral values of the Japanese, even in the face of disas-

ter,” said Allan. “Looting has not been a problem whatsoever, and people are so quick to help each other. It’s really amazing.”

Japan is on a long and expensive road to recovery. Many Americans, including Peace students, have already offered help in the form of charitable donations.

“I wanted to do something to help and, at Dr. Koizumi’s urging, donated to the Red Cross asking that my donation go specifically to Japan relief,” Lilley said.

I spent four days in Morocco explor-ing urban, rural and suburban settings. I stayed with a host family -- a mother, father and two children under the age of 10.

The family spoke Arabic, French, their native tongue (similar to Arabic, but not exactly alike and the children spoke the same but in school, they were learning English.

Our host mother knew enough Eng-lish to tell us to “Eat…Eat…Eat.” With hand gestures, I was able to communicate thoroughly. I think it is very ironic that we all speak different languages, but a smile is universal.

I ate dinner from a communal dish where utensils where not used. It was custom to eat with your right hand, (us-

ing your left hand was considered dis-respectful) I even used a “squat toilet.” I’m not going to go into details, but let’s just say I completely stepped out of my comfort zone.

In Morocco, yes, jihabs and burqas are worn. Contrary to popular belief, woman are not forced to wear these coverings, they do it chiefly for religious purposes.

I spoke to a college student and she told me that the reason she wears a jihab is because she wants people around her to know her for who she is, not what she has. In Morocco, debating is com-mon among college students, mint tea is absolutely divine, there are public baths (hamums), everyone is warm and friendly and the food is delicious.

Throughout the excursion, I had conversations with other students about their views on America and exchange; I told them my views of Morocco and other Muslim nations. Some of their favorite movies were “The Hangover” and “American Pie.”

One of the college students learned English while watching American mov-ies. I was amazed! They think American women are “easy.” They think that American people in general are loud, ignorant, obnoxious and wealthy.

There are endless opportunities in the States, however only two out of the five students I talked to would like to visit.

See “Abroad” pg. 6

The Peace Times, Volume 15, Issue 7

News3

Ethical decision making spotlight: Tiffany TaylorBy Cornelia AndersonPeace Times Staff

“Ethical Decision Making” is the theme Peace College has chosen for its Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP). The purpose of the QEP is to enhance student learning, and it is a necessary part of the College’s reaccreditation. Ethical Decision Making will be incorporated into many parts of school life - from classes to on-campus activities.

The Peace Times is highlighting various campus leaders to ask them what they think about Ethical Decision Making. This month, we are featuring Tiffany Taylor, Peace College’s RHA President.

What does ethical decision making mean to you, and how does one become an ethical leader?“I think one has to be confident in themselves and have experience before they

can be an ethical leader. Being an ethical leader is much more than being an ethical person, you have to think about others, but you also have to think about the organization or club that you are leading. It takes time and work and the ability to put your own feelings aside. Once you have mastered the art of making decisions based on what is right and not what is easy,

you have become an ethical leader.”

Contributed Photo

Peace College RHA President, Tif-fany Taylor, discusses what “ethical decision making” means to her.

Contributed Photo

Peace students pose with William Peace at orientation. Many incoming students take the Adventures for Women seminar, which is being revised for the Fall.

By Olivia HallTimes Staff Writer

In college, stress is simply an every-day occurrence for most. From unfinished projects to upcoming exams, students become accustomed to feeling the pres-sure of upcoming deadlines.

Even though high levels of stress and anxiety become the norm in college, how much is too much?

In a recent study conducted by the American Psychiatric Association, nearly 85 percent of students feel stress on a daily basis.

Academic worries such as school-work and grades were the top driver of stress in college students, followed by financial concerns.

“I feel that my stress is mainly towards finances right now,” says Con-stance Faulk, a freshmen attending Uni-

versity of North Carolina-Pembroke. “We are having so many things taken away or reduced. Pell grants will be reduced next year, and so will our financial aid. I rely on these things to get me through college.”

As students begin to feel the pressure of college life, they feel the need to alter their lives in order to fit the demands of their new life, which can actually cause more harm than good.

“Stress has caused me to do all night-ers, and some days I do not even eat lunch because I have to get work done, just so I can try to get the best grade I can,” says Faulk. “I know that if I get high grades, I’m able to get scholarships and other financial help so I don’t have to rely so much on my parents.”

Overwhelming anxiety and stress can often lead to a frightening anxiety

attack. During an anxiety attack, an indi-

vidual’s palms begin to sweat profusely, their mind begins to race, and their chest feels tight, as if they are suffocating.

Their breathing becomes shallow and heavy, and most times the sufferer is unable to gather their thoughts. The room around them begins to feel as if it is closing in on them.

Many describe anxiety attacks as the worse experience they have ever had, and some have thought they were having a heart attack.

“Last week, I had a breakdown and cried because of stress with school work and grades,” said Devin Gravgaard, former Peace student. “With grades, I get stressed because I want to pass with A’s and B’s and graduate on time. If I do not get the grades I want, I start to work

harder and stress builds up until I have to cry it out.”

It is hard to prevent stress in college, but there are many things to do in order to reduce stress.

For starters, do not procrastinate. Ex-perts say when a student procrastinates, they begin to feel pressure as the deadline nears, which puts undue stress on their body. Another excellent way to reduce stress and get in shape is exercising.

Lastly, stress is contagious. Students should avoid situations and people who contribute to their stress.

If a student feels as if stress has af-fected their life, it is important to speak with a family member or trusted adult.

Students facing stress-related issues are encouraged to contact the Student Health and Counseling center at any time.

College pressure: When stress becomes a problem

Changes made to Adventures for Women seminarBy Kelliann MirandaTimes Staff Writer

The Adventures for Women seminar (ADV 100) has been a rite of passage that all the students at Peace College undergo in transitioning into their first year as a college student.

The seminar is co-facilitated by a peer educator, who is a student leader on campus, and a member of faculty or staff.

During the semester, the peer edu-cator and the co-instructor tackle topics that range from academia to social, all topics catering to the average first year college woman.

Although the adventures seminar has been around for years, it has re-cently seen some revisions. This past semester was the first implementation

of a trial “topical” section that proved to be successful. The topical section allowed the co-instructor to teach more academic topics, such as “critical think-ing,” through their choice of a topic they were familiar with (i.e., topics such as ghost stories, women’s literature, and bullying), while also allowing the peer-educator to facilitate the social aspect of the seminar (i.e., topics such as body image and diversity).

This upcoming year the Adventures program has unified with the Quality En-hancement Program (QEP) and created a more in depth and spread out four- year curriculum.

Dr. Jerry Nuesell, the Associate Dean of Academic Services is very

See “Adventures” pg. 6

The Peace Times, Volume 15, Issue 74

By Shannen JacobsTimes Staff Writer

A crowd of people stand outside what looks to be a run down, shady es-tablishment. Their arms are covered in colorful, vibrant tattoos and their faces full of piercings. From nose rings to sleeves, this is just the beginning of the tattoo experience.

Walk through the cloud of cigarette smoke into the doors of Phoenix Tattoo on Hillsborough Street and you find yourself in a whole new environment. Though the outside may look like a potential area to buy crack cocaine, the inside is a world full of music and beautiful artwork. The receptionist is a young woman with a lip ring wearing a baggy sweatshirt complaining about her recent conversation with her deadbeat boyfriend.

Lining the walls of Phoenix are framed pieces of art that you assume are also on someone’s body. The buzz of needles and the sounds of indie music fill the air. Before the fun can begin, there is business to take care of. While the angst-y receptionist makes a copy of your license and the tattoo artist prepares your stencil, there is required paperwork to make sure there is no bun in the oven

By Anna WingoTimes Staff Writer

As a college student, it seems that I have seen more students getting tattoos recently. Tattooing has a very long his-tory, but I wanted to know why so many young people are getting tattoos now.

I have a few tattoos and when the question was presented to me, my answer was simply self- expression. However, I was challenged to answer “But why use such a permanent way to express your-self when there are so many other ways to do so?”

Looking at the surrounding culture, there has been a resurgence in the music, movies, television, fashion, and so many other avenues for self-expression.

Lady Gaga is the first example that comes to mind. She may not be known for tattoos, but she has made a large im-pact using every opportunity to make a statement and has had great influence on my generation in other ways.

Her statements are not only in her music but her fashion as well, which al-ways has a story behind each and every outfit. With her blasting onto the scene, Gaga, along with so many others have made many controversial topics a little easier to speak about.

Television has gone so far as to reveal the behind-the-scenes of life as a tattoo

artist with shows like L.A. Ink, the star being Kat Von D, who is covered, liter-ally, from head to toe in tattoos. Other shows as well, have more edgier charac-ters with more rugged styles and do not cover up their tattoos.

With these influences, it has led me to wonder if the students that I have seen on campus are truly getting tattoos because they have a deep personal meaning or if they are following what could easily be seen as a trend.

Peace student Jadia Hooper says, “The sudden interest with our generation and tattoos is a trend following celebri-ties who get tattoos but not realizing that they may become bored with their tattoo if they do not have their own meaning behind it.”

Tattoos have held a stigma of a way to rebel against adolescence for young people, but it no longer appears to be the front runner for reasons behind them. One student hoped that teenagers would think about the consequences of tattooing and that it is something that will remain with them for life, unless they are prepared to go through the painful and very costly removal process.

Peace Student Sashia Moore says she feels that although she would not get a tattoo because of her own religious beliefs, she thinks “tattoos are becoming more and more acceptable and are not

only viewed as a form of self-expression but also as a form of art”.

By viewing tattoos this way, it will hopefully lessen the stigma and encour-age acceptance of those who are differ-ent and help to look past what is on the outside.

Tattoos are certainly great conver-sational starters, but when a person gets one, it should be for themselves and not just for everyone to comment on.

They are a form of art that can be

said either in a word or an image and I hope that my peers will realize there is a huge commitment to have as a part of a person’s body and any decision made to have one should not be taken lightly.

When reflecting again on the ques-tion of why use such a permanent way to express myself, I can now answer that it’s not only for self-expression but also because it holds dear meaning that has been created through an artistic means that I can always keep with me.

Photos by Njima Murphy

Many Peace students, such as Chelsea Passanisi (shown above), have tattoos.

Tattoos: The permanent form of expression

The tattoo experienceand that the tattoo is a decision made of sound mind.

As the roar of the death metal fills your ears, the tattoo artist calls you back. It’s time to begin. Your heart starts rac-ing, your palms start to sweat. Was this really a good idea? Your mind races with reasons why getting a tattoo is a bad idea. What will my mom say? Despite the inner turmoil, you soldier on. The chair is inviting, the artist is ready, and your friend is there to hold your hand and feed you candy.

Once you get started, the pain is not so bad. However, once the artist really gets into it is when the real fun begins. The combination of the scratching feel-ing of the artist’s tools and the needles eventually become a lot to handle for some. For others, they simply tune it out.

“I thought it would hurt a lot more than it actually did,” said Peace Col-lege sophomore Jensen McLamb. “It felt more like scratching a bad sunburn. Part of that is having a high pain toler-ance.”

If you do not have the privilege of tuning out the pain, it is always a good

See “Tattoo” pg. 6

The Peace Times, Volume 15, Issue 7 5

The Peace Times, Volume 15, Issue 7

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How America is being portrayed in films and how it is in real life is totally off. Their views change once meet other American students.

I don’t even think America realizes the images being shown to other coun-tries are how they view us as a whole through generalization.

How we view Muslim countries, and the world, is shaped by the media. Few of us have actually traveled to these countries, so we have no choice but to base our opinions off of the source that keeps us all connected to each other, mass media. It is very important for us to be able to make decisions and opinions for ourselves and not using the media as truth.

I encourage everyone to study aboard, for a week, a month even a semester. It will truly open your eyes to

different cultures and experiences and make you a global citizen.

It’s not always easy to step out of your comfort zone. Some are quick to try it, some aren’t. My semester in Spain thus far has been truly unforgettable.

Yes, I have been through many trials, but I can honestly say they have shaped my outlook on my life and my-self as an individual. I know what I am capable of accomplishing.

A lot has changed during these months. My jeans fit differently. I have a stronger sense of self. I feel more inde-pendent. Facebook and Twitter have be-come my “go-to” sites for what’s going on at school. I have no idea what song is #1 on the Billboard Charts. (I honestly don’t want to know.) I’m in Spain!

It’s hard to believe I will be leav-ing in May. Time flies, but I am seizing the day.

“Abroad”Continued from page 2

hopeful and positive of the new develop-ments to the Adventures program.

“When going under the reevaluation process, the administration took the mis-sion of the college under consideration,” Nuesell said. “With that, they developed the adventures program into a four-year program that would prepare women for graduate studies, lifelong learning and meaningful careers.”

After evaluating the original curric-ulum, the administration began to view the adventures seminar as “rushed,” due to the fact that there were many different dynamics involved in a one-credit hour seminar (i.e., some dynamics included, financial aid awareness, Generation M, and International Studies). The new curriculum will have one main focus for each year.

During their first year, students will have a topical seminar based on the idea of ethical decision making, criti-cal thinking and the summer reading. During their second year, students will focus on career and leadership devel-opment, they will learn about the EQi assessment and become affiliated with career services.

During their third-year, students will focus on work place connections: they will learn how to do complete a resume, cover letter and thank you letter while also learning the proper conduct for an interview setting and business etiquette.

During a student’s fourth year, they will focus on their internship program and revisit the development of their EQi assessment.

As a graduation requirement, stu-dents will be mandated to submit a portfolio of some of the works they have completed over their college career.

These “works” will be both from their academic major and from their seminar classes. In order to guarantee that students are actively working on their portfolios throughout their four year college career, there will be certain requirements required after each year they complete within the adventures seminars (i.e., third year students will be required to put a resume and cover letter into their portfolio).

Although the revision process has

added many segments to the once one-credit hour seminar, there have also been some eliminations. Af-ter reviewing the curriculum and other leadership opportunities for students on campus, it was decided that the peer educator role could be sought out through other ventures on-campus, like residence life -- this lead to the elimina-tion of the role entirely.

Many of the faculty and staff in-volved in the development of the new curriculum are hopeful of the new di-rection of the adventures program. Dr. Korrel Kanoy, professor in psychology and chair woman of the QEP, fully sup-ports the recent changes.

“Think about the most difficult ethical dilemma you’ve ever faced,” she said. “Knowing how to reason through that dilemma and what values might lead you to the most ethical solu-tion would be very helpful. That’s why we’ve chosen Ethical Decision Making as our QEP topic. And, we know that first year students will face many ethical situations during their college years.”

Kanoy continued, “For example, what do you think about posting a mes-sage intended to hurt someone else on a social networking site? How much help should you give when a friend asks you to proofread her paper for typos? These are real situations first year college students’ face. Teaching them how to reason through such situations helps them both at a personal level and with their cognitive reasoning skills. Also, since employers list “being ethical” as one of their top priorities for new hires, we’ll also be preparing students for their future careers.”

Many current students at Peace Col-lege are looking at the developments in a positive light. However there are some aspects of the original adventures cur-riculum that will be missed.

First-year student, Allana Jones discussed her sentiments of the new changes to the program. “I like the new adventures program because its four years long and I like how each year has a specific goal.” She said, “I also think the portfolio created during the fourth year will help to transition into a career. However, I think it was better when peer educators were still involved in the program.”

“Adventures”Continued from page 3

idea to have a friend come along for the excitement. Even if their company does not take the pain away, watching his or her hand turn purple is an excellent distraction.

When it is all over, a feeling of re-lief washes over you, along with layers of pungent rubbing alcohol and thick, jelly-like lotion. Covered in Saran Wrap and tape, and with your wallet feeling lighter, you walk back out those doors, through the cloud of smoke and back into reality. However, you are slightly different.

“A tattoo is a personal choice that

people choose to get, because it has meaning for them, and that’s what I like about them,” said McLamb. “It represents a part of a person’s soul, in physical form.”

According to the Pew Research Center, over 38 percent of people ages 18-25 have at least one tattoo and see no problem with tattoos. Peace College sophomore Heather George has a similar opinion.

“I love my tattoo and my experience of getting it,” said George. “I think most if not all tattoos should be about expres-sion of who you are.”

“Tattoo”Continued from page 4

By Naomi KingTimes Staff Writer

Tennis season is here and Kathy Ja-cobs is coaching for her second season at Peace.

So far, the team has lost its games to Columbia, Salem College, N.C. Wes-

leyan and Methodist. This season’s team is small compared

to years past, with only five players: Rachel Frick, Zoe Littmann, Hannelore Manchester, and Chelsea Noyes.

Peace Junior and team captain, Casey Hardin, unfortunately twisted her ankle

early in the season. “I have seen tremendous improve-

ment...in her work ethic [as well as] want-ing to be out there,” Jacobs said. “She has shown a lot of leadership this year” as the team continues to show improvement every step of the way.

“I see myself doing this for a long time and as long as they keep me, I’m planning on doing it,” Jacobs says.

In April, the team will face Mary Baldwin, Averett, Christopher Newport, Meredith and Greensboro.

Pacers Tennis coach proud of players’ progress

Contributed photo

Tennis player Ra-chel Frick, is one of five members of the Pacer Tennis team this seaon. Coach Kathy Jacobs says she has seen tre-mendous improve-ment in the team this year.

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The Peace Times, Volume 15, Issue 78

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e-mail us at tptnewspaper@gmail.com

By Asia SanchezTimes Staff Writer

In a time when it is a woman’s prerogative to travel the path in life she sees fit, and love who she wishes, theatre director Dr. Kenny Gannon of Peace College Theatre brings us a very modern rendition of the humorous Wil-liam Shakespeare classic, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”.

Leggett Theater was packed all seven nights of the play’s running, and five out of seven nights were completely sold out. At 6:30, people started to gather outside the theater; many praying to nab a most desirable ticket to this mystifying show so many were talking about.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream takes place in ancient Athens, Greece, at a time when women were treated as second class citizens. The play was acted out by four main groups of characters:

The LoversHermia: the doubly coveted young

Athenian beauty played by practiced ac-tor Jessica Dixon.

Lysander: the one and only love of Hermia played by newcomer Hannah Murphy.

Helena: the longstanding confidante of Hermia and former lover of Demetrius played by newcomer Jessica Becker.

Demetrius: the double crossing and duped into love parental choice for Hermia to wed, played by veteran Jo-hanna Coats.

The Law EnforcersTheseus: the Duke of Athens, played

by Katharine “Katie” Barrett, is the soon to be husband of Hippolyta.

Egeus: played by experienced Mary Laga is Hermia’s father, who threatens her with death for defying his wishes of her marriage to Demetrius.

Hippolyta: the defeated Amazonian warrior, played by newcomer Julia Up-

church, is Theseus’ bride-to-be.The MechanicsNick Bottom: played by the always

hilarious Professor Wade Newhouse, is the overzealous thespian that is mal-formed into an ass by a mischievous sprite in the woods.

Peter Quince: the director of the play the group will perform for the Duke in celebration of his nuptial to Hippolyta, is played by Sarah Blocker.

Francis Flute: John Vettel of Ra-leigh’s Village Idiots acts as a young woman that falls in love with Nick Bot-toms character in Peter Quince’s perfor-mance for the Duke.

Tom Snout: stands-in as the wall to which the two lovers speak through in Peter Quince’s production is played by trainee Shannon Wright.

Snug the Joiner: portrays the lion that is assumed to have slain Francis Flute’s character in the performance within the play, and is played by skilled actor Ariel Wortham.

The FairiesOberon the Fairy King: the control-

ling manipulative husband of Titania is also played by Julia Upchurch.

Titania the Fairy Queen: the beautiful fun loving wife of Oberon who is more displeased with his interruption of her good times than their lack of marital bliss is also played by Katharine Barrett.

Robin Goodfellow/Puck: the come-dian responsible for all the trouble that comes about in the home of supernatural deities is played by very capable Sidney Edwards.

Fairies: the dutiful delights of Titania that love to dance and sing for their mis-tress’ amusement were played by Megan Lenzmeir, Christina Munsey, Quinn Nor-man, Hayley Lundberg, Elise Newhouse and Gabby Simone.

Little Indian Boy: the loved and most sought after son of one Titania’s devotees was played by the lovable Raley Dean Becker.

The set was simple, yet clever design, and left the audience to its own imagina-tion. All three props served dual purpose. The sheer fabric that hung from the ceil-

ing transformed from a forest to an eerie fog, then curtains drawn for the play within the play. Spread about the stage were purple satin pillows that served as weapons and places to rest a weary trav-eler’s head. The large communal “rock” was a seat one moment, then a love pal-let for the Fairy Queen Titania and her beloved ass, Nick Bottom.

Some of the audience may have been a little baffled by the mixture of modern dress and the actors’ use of Elizabethan English, but the unique combination added to the charm of the production.

The actors’ costumes were a range of preppy, gothic, punk and everyday wear. Upon their feet they wore knee high platform and militant style boots, as well as Converses opposed to the gladiator sandals one may have worn in ancient Greece.

Kudos goes out to Barrett and New-house on a stellar performance, and the most talked about scene of the play. They both proved to be amusing, highly skilled professional in the controversial scene in which Fairy Queen Titania falls for the mutated Nick Bottom scene.

Actor Edwards was another crowd pleaser, with her funny facial expressions, and clever ability to engage the audience as Puck.

The fight scenes between the Lovers were hilarious and a well-choreographed addition to the classic tale. Newhouse, along with his fellow craftsmen, proved to make this a side-splitting comedy.

Overall, the actors did an outstanding job of bringing the beloved Shakespear-ian creation to life. They conquered lines that could perplex even the most experienced performers, yet they spoke as it were their native tongue.

Congratulations Peace College The-ater on an outstanding production.

Theatre review: “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”

Photo contributed by Kenny Gannon

Shannon Wright and Wade Newhouse perform in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”