Diversions

Now some may call my devotion to the Oscars more of a desire to be that hip young moviegoer who can complain about who wins what. These accusers wouldn’t be totally wrong.

Director Kristen Layne, a senior English major, sits at the center of the auditorium as she oversees the whole production—Rent.

Furman University Theatre is presenting Doubt, A Parable early this month. This production is a drama that showcases the question of whether Father Flynn is guilty of inappropriate behavior after he grows uncomfortably close to a troubled boy.

An interview with Dr. Michele Speitz, English professor.

At two and a half hours and with a slew of repetitive plot devices and character quirks, Spielberg’s latest super sentimental historical adventure Lincoln often acts more like a history lecture (albeit an often successful one) than an exciting cinematic journey.

The book of johns is long-winded. Sometimes in ink, sometimes in graphite, and, in more alarming cases, carved by a knife, its scrawls express a range of thought as diverse as our species – some thoughts regal, as though written from upon the throne; some crude, as though written from... well, exactly where they were written from.

Furman Opera theater put on Gianni Schicchi, an opera by Giacomo Puccini, on Nov. 1 and Nov. 3.

Lillian Hellman’s The Children’s Hour, which explores the destructive and consuming power of unopposed lies, remains as relevant today as it was when it premiered in 1934. The play tells the story of two New England teachers, Karen Wright and Martha Dobie, struggling to keep their boarding school—and their dreams—alive.

Over the past few weeks I’ve heard some of my freshman friends say things about college life I just couldn’t believe. So I’m here to tell you how this all works. Yes, I’m talking mostly to the freshmen. But there are some upperclassmen who should take this advice, too. Again: cranky senior alert.

Count down the hours. Check. Snack on a couple of those peanut packets you just can’t seem to put down. Check. Convince yourself sitting through a movie marathon will keep your sanity intact. Check. Pop a few sleeping pills, for good measure.

Why do you go here? This question is often employed – in nicer terms of course – to get to know freshman. And sometimes you’re just dying to know how someone from Washington State found Furman. When we answer this question, we habitually mention class size, location or a major.

Tom West explores the mystery of Judson 500 and reports.

While most of Furman students are studying away or in the dining hall on a Monday night around 7:00 p.m., the cast members and director of Spring Awakening are busy rehearsing in the upstairs theory room of Daniel Music Building, located next to McAlister Auditorium.

The Diversion’s Editor’s experience of competing in Havoc and the spirit of Havoc past, present, and future.

Furman’s Robotics Team go on a journey to create Aldo, short for Aldous Huxley, a robot that took second place at a competition in New York.

Caroline Davis, humor columnist, gives advice on what not to do when choosing a Halloween costume.

An interview with Dr. Jeff Beyerl, mathematics professor.

Great theatre has always pushed boundaries, challenging audiences both intellectually and emotionally. Its power and poignancy lie in its ability to transcend mere words and confront the struggles at the heart of the human experience. It should come as no surprise that the Theatre Department has taken on two plays this semester that seek to do exactly that.

As a gawky nerd from Furman’s chapter of GDI, one might expect I have some immense vendetta against Homecoming’s flamboyant celebration of popularity, Greek life and football prowess. The campus spends thousands of dollars on caulk. Fully grown alumni come back to relive the college booze cruise. The football game’s halftime show is dominated by more pomp and circumstance than an English royal wedding.

Homecoming week is upon us. A time of celebration, of school spirit and tradition, Homecoming is more than just float-building and a football game. It’s a chance for alumni to “come home” and reconnect with old friends and revisit fond memories of their college years.

Jeff Levene gives his advice on avoiding the debate of politics this fall.

On Sept. 30, over Parent Weekend here at Furman University, the 30th Annual Student Talent Showcase began at precisely 8 p.m. The auditorium was filled with dozens of students, faculty and parents alike, awaiting to watch the performances of their friends, children or students.

Everyone knows that Furman’s band is fantastic. So it makes sense that we show them off every year on parent’s weekend with the Band Extravaganza.

An interview with Dr. Tami Blumenfield, Asian Studies professor.

Football season is upon us. You know what that means. Unpack your purple sweatshirt and pull the grill out of storage, boys and girls. It’s time for tailgating.