Performing Artists Take to the Stage

The SLU-Madrid Theatre Workshop ushered in the end of semester arts performances with their production of Love, Loss, and What I Wore by Nora and Delia Ephron.

Directed by Gudrun Olafsdottir, the play was not a typical comedy but rather a series of monologues and scenes revolving around how we relate to our clothes, shoes and accessories. Four actresses, Bethany Brown, Gabrial McAlister Carberry, Violet Midla and Nachelle Anne C. Perez took on a total of 18 roles, using humor to portray different ways of thinking. In addition to the cast, the production also required substantial involvement of a large backstage crew.

Students enrolled in Latin and Spanish dance classes also took to the stage during the event. Performing choreographies by Yolanda Granado, the Spanish dance crew brought the audience back in time to the old villages in Andalusia. There, the culture of the gitanos mixed with Spanish culture, and flamenco dancing was born.

Next, students from Susi Peces-Barba’s Latin dance classes recreated the movie "Pirates of the Caribbean." Dressed as pirates, they danced salsa, tango, hip hop and bachata while following the adventures of Jack Sparrow (Gabby Velez) and Barbosso (Troy Baines).

The arts performances came to a close with the final music concert. Voice and piano students performed a varied repertoire of songs featuring everything from show tunes and Christmas carols to Mozart and Bach.

Finally, the University Chorale – directed by Gudrun Olafsdottir – dispersed around the auditorium and asked the audience to join in singing "Silent Night" by Franz Gruber. After the concert, the performers and the audience came together for refreshments and a Christmas carol singalong in the student lounge.