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ILLUSTRATION BY: SAMUEL NELSON/THE HOYA

THE HOYA

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2019

THE HOYA

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2019

@MASKANDBAUBLE/INSTAGRAM

“Speech and Debate” director Mark Camilli (COL ’19), left, and Mask and Bauble member Gabe Berkowitz (MSB ’20) tabled for the play during the spring semester. The production unpacks themes like the intersections between sexual identity, politics and power. “Speech and Debate” is topical, engaged and reflective of what Georgetown theater companies put on.

Campus Theater Groups Foster Creativity, Reflection TIMOTHY MCNULTY Hoya Staff Writer

Whether through the theater and performance studies program or studentrun groups like the Mask and Bauble Dramatic Society, GU Black Theatre Ensemble and Nomadic Theatre, theater productions help shape the experiences of many students by creating a channel for success outside of the academic sphere and providing new, daring opportunities for expression. Though productions may only run for a few nights, these performances require a rigorous creative process that demands much from its organizers and performers. The preparation requires intense commitment of time and energy from all involved, but the end result constitutes a genuine professional accomplishment, according to Mark Camilli (COL ’19), director of “Speech and Debate,” a co-production between Mask and Bauble and TPSP. “It was me working with my closest friends to put on a project that I put my heart and soul into for not just the three months we were rehearsing, but also the five months before that,” Camilli said. “Some people might write a thesis in their major, but to me the show was not just a social, community achievement, but really an academic one.” The intensive time commitment often

lends itself well to forming tight-knit groups of creative and dedicated classmates and professors, according to Charlie Trepany (COL ’19), a theater and performance studies major who has worked with TPSP over his four years at Georgetown. “I’ve been acting in shows with this department since my freshman year and have learned so much from working with the incredible faculty, as well as collaborating with my fellow students,” Trepany wrote in an email to The Hoya. “These shows are huge time commitments and so fulfilling to be a part of, and each cast always gets so close during each rehearsal process.” Theater allows students to discover a place not only where they belong on campus, but also where they can deeply and personally reflect, according to Camilli. “Without theater especially, I feel like I wouldn’t have a place here; to me, that’s where I found my home, my friends, my community, and also where I found out the most about myself,” Camilli said. These artistic communities have the potential to form long-lasting, sustainable networks of collaboration and creativity, according to Lianna McFarlane-Connelly (COL ’19), a set designer who has worked with Nomadic. “We had the end of the year party this year and the room was filled with almost a completely new set of artists than were

here when I joined, and they are all committed to pushing the organization and collaborating as artists,” McFarlane-Connelly wrote in an email to The Hoya. With the entrance of new students each year, the nature of this collaborative art form is constantly in flux on campus, according to McFarlane-Connelly. “We constantly push the boundaries of what we can do theatre-wise on campus. Our community is really always looking to do better, so we really face challenges daily,” McFarlane-Connelly wrote. To succeed as a theater company, the company must face the creative and logistical needs of both its productions and its members, according to McFarlane-Connelly. “Some challenges are how to create a better work environment where we can all pursue our goals as artists, some are more about access to physical space, or economic access, really everything about trying to be a theatre company on a college campus,” McFarlane-Connelly wrote. Navigating the challenges present in theater on campus helps students learn a valuable set of skills for approaching new problems and having difficult conversations; working to execute a distinct creative vision for a show by collaborating with castmates leaves students with a sense of pride and personal fulfillment, according to Trepany. “I think the show I’m most proud of act-

ing in was Our Class, which was directed by Professor Derek Goldman last semester,” Trepany wrote. “The material was so heavy and challenging to act, but I’m so proud of the trust the student cast had for each other, as well as the maturity and professionalism we brought to the work. Every rehearsal, I was so moved by how bravely each cast member acted these difficult and vulnerable scenes.” Likewise, the skills that a production develops can provide vital resources to students in any endeavor they pursue, whether it directly applies to theater or not, according to Camilli. “Surprisingly enough, you gain a lot of creative skills, critical thinking skills, leadership skills, and I find myself in a lot of job or internship interviews citing a lot of what I did in theater even though that’s not my main academic area of focus,” Camilli said. Theater creates a space for students to express their creativity and opens new ways of seeing the world that persists even after their time at Georgetown, according to Trepany. “I think what’s great about acting is that it gives you an openness and an appreciation for the present moment,” Trepany wrote. “The best acting happens when you’re not anticipating what’s going to happen next, when you’re just living truthfully and letting the moments take you wherever they end up taking you.”

THE HOYA

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2019

Seniors Share Artistic Passion in Major Showcase SUNA CHA

Hoya Staff Writer

The National Gallery of Art and various Smithsonian institutions flourish in Washington, D.C., as popular tourist sites. With parents, family members, friends and beloved ones all gathering in the District for commencement weekend, these museums attract the Hilltop’s visitors and guests. Without going to the National Mall, however, they can visit the Mario & Alberto de la Cruz Gallery in Georgetown, located on the first floor of the Edmund A. Walsh Building. This contemporary art exhibition space opened Aug. 27 after a yearlong delay. Since opening, it has provided students and other members of the Georgetown community the chance to engage with leading contemporary artists through talks, lectures and programs in addition to exhibits. The de la Cruz Gallery aims to bring in more professional and international artists, according to Katie Clausen, curatorial assistant to the gallery. Following its mission, it has exhibited Jeffrey Gibson’s “DON’T MAKE ME OVER” and Glenn Ligon’s “To be a Negro in this country is really never to be looked at.” Both contemporary artists represent diverse interests, exploring conceptions of race and sexuality in America. Along with the opportunity to engage with professional artists, the de la Cruz Gallery strives to establish a close connection to the university by representing its core values and community, according to Al Acres, chair of the art and art history department. The department of art and art history hosts an annual showcase for senior art majors to exhibit their work. This year, on April 25, the “Senior Art Majors Exhibition” took place in the de la Cruz Gallery for the first time. In previous years, the exhibit was hosted in the Lucille M. and Richard F.X. Spagnuolo Art Gallery. The transition to a larger gallery space reflects the department’s hope to increase awareness about student visual artists, according to Acres. This year’s graduating artists include four seniors: Layla Gorgoni (COL ’19), Mark Keffer (COL ’19), Edson Martinez (COL ’19) and Jessica Yang (COL ’19). These dynamic visual artists share their passion for art in distinct ways through diversity in medium, technique and style. Despite the small number of art majors in her graduating class, Gorgoni feels that her artistic opportunities were enhanced by the intimate community formed by her professors and peers. “I’m so grateful to have met so many wonderful friends and mentors through the arts program at Georgetown. We are incredibly small but we are tight-knit and supportive,” Gorgoni wrote in an email to The Hoya. Gorgoni, a double major in psychology and studio art with a concentration in painting, uses oil paint to experiment with bright colors, thick textures and abstracted backgrounds. She transforms ordinary portraits into bold, expressive statements by using unconventional colors to depict skintones, such as blue. In addition to her aesthetic drive and color study, Gorgoni tackles personal advocacy and

feminism, using her art to confront the political and social climate regarding women. “In order to honor their strength and dignity during such demoralizing times, I’ve chosen to exhibit portraits of women whom I love,” Gorgoni wrote in the exhibition pamphlet. Like Gorgoni, Keffer’s primary medium is oil paint. Keffer also studies psychology, which he draws upon to inspire his art. His work explores the thematic question of humanity’s relationship to nature, ranging from the kinetic motion of fresh, cool waves to the solitary confinement and stillness of a forest. His technique involves a mixture of thinly and thickly applied paint to create multiple dimensions and textures in his work, according to Keffer. He also pays mind to the individual psyche and challenges conventional ideas about reality. “My paintings incorporate the use of both realism and abstraction to bring familiarity to the viewer while pushing the boundaries of accurate perception,” Keffer wrote in the pamphlet. Martinez is also passionate about the natural world and uses art as a way of interpreting and engaging deeply with nature. He, however, seeks to internalize art as a means of personal discovery. He draws upon his cultural roots from Mexico, employing symbols from his ancestral past in his portraits, masks and sculptures. “For me, art is not a commercial pursuit. It serves as a means of getting to know oneself through the process of questioning identity, culture, and the many ideas that have contributed in the shaping of it,” Martinez wrote in the pamphlet. Martinez’s work incorporates a variety of material, including limestone, plaster and linocut. His sculptures in particular are interesting for their distorted qualities. The figures convey motion by blending the material to form biomorphic shapes. While Martinez explores the abstracted, internal world, Yang observes the effects of atmosphere in the external world, both locally and internationally. Drawing upon her photographic travel diary, she works with palette knives and oil to depict outdoor scenes on Georgetown’s M St., as well as in Prague and Croatia. Yang’s technique is impressionistic, using thick layers of pigment to evoke the richness and depth of the memories. She illustrates how light changes in these settings, ranging from a warm sunset in Croatia to a misty, hazy street in Prague. In contrast to the series of outdoor paintings, Yang’s etchings and aquatint prints illuminate the home of her family. By capturing moments like her grandpa’s birthday, Yang hopes to commemorate those special to her life. “The unifying thread in my paintings and prints is intention: I intend to display affection and intimacy with every heavy stroke or meticulous tint,” Yang wrote in the pamphlet. These four graduating seniors creatively approach art through diverse means and purposes. Yet, arranged together in the de la Cruz Gallery, their works produce a unified vision of art as a liberating, empowering form of expression.

The galleries are not the only way, however, that students can participate in artistic opportunities at Georgetown. In addition to registering for art courses, extracurricular activities provide the space for artists to meet one another, according to Gorgoni. “Through making friends in my art classes and on-campus organizations like Bossier Magazine, I have personally witnessed the immense wealth of talent we have on this campus, despite that fact that it is often hidden or not emphasized in daily life,” Gorgoni wrote in an email to The Hoya. Despite finding community in a group with similar interests, Gorgoni finds limited resources for student artists to convene on the Hilltop. “As an artist at Georgetown, my biggest challenge has been accessing artistic communities and spaces. I love our school — trust me — but it’s not secret that it lacks a focus on the arts in favor of more pre-professional areas. As a result, I have often found myself yearning to encounter peers whose passions and goals mirror my own outside of designated artistic spaces,” Gorgoni wrote. Georgetown’s pre-professional emphasis, with many students joining finance and con-

sulting clubs, adds pressure to aspiring artists because of their low chances of success in a competitive job market. “Although I’ve always known I wanted to work in the arts in an ideal world, making that decision in my actual life was very difficult because of how unstable the art industry is: out of 100 talented people, only a small percentage will actually be successful and make enough money to support themselves,” Gorgoni wrote. However, making the decision to pursue art does not always have to conflict with career opportunities, according to Gorgoni. “At the end of the day, I’ve realized that I want my entire life--including my professional one--to be as meaningful as it could possibly be,” Gorgoni wrote. “I would never forgive myself if I didn’t try to pursue art, even if it’s a more risky track.” “Senior Art Majors Exhibition 2019” runs from April 25 to May 17.

The Maria & Alberto de la Cruz Art Gallery is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. It is located on 3535 Prospect St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20007; admission is always free.

MAGGIE CHEN/THE HOYA

Though the seniors majoring in art approach their work through a wide array of mediums and styles, each tackles personal themes in their art.

THE HOYA

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2019

GEORGETOWN RANGILA/FACEBOOK

Through activities like Georgetown Rangila, dance has taken on a prominent role in students’ lives as a form of creative expression and humanitarian efforts. Sheela Ranganathan (NHS ’19), right, speaks at Rangila next to Ravisa Kalsi (COL ’20). Last year, the group shared its dance showcase to raise funds for Prerana, a nonprofit fighting human trafficking.

Seniors Amplify Their Art With Dance Companies TIMOTHY MCNULTY Hoya Staff Writer

Students at Georgetown University have used dance to tell powerful stories, build confidence and take care of themselves on campus by passionately expressing themselves through the art form with groups such as Black Movements Dance Theatre and Rangila. This physical medium can become a way to let out energy, form community and honor personal identities, according to Sheela Ranganathan (NHS ’19), the coordinator for Rangila, an annual dance showcase that features diverse dance traditions from across South Asia, for the 2018-19 academic year. “Art is so important to me as a way to work through my emotions and stress, a way to express my culture, and a way to build some of the strongest relationships I’ve ever had,” Ranganathan wrote in an email to The Hoya. Making these dance opportunities on Georgetown’s campus available allows dance to remain an integral part of students’ lives, according to Shanta Murthy (COL ’19), a dancer and choreographer who worked with Rangila. “Dance has been something that I have done since I was young, so getting

involved with Rangila and other performances here was a natural way for me to stay connected to that part of myself,” Murthy wrote in an email to The Hoya. “Growing up, dance has always been my favorite way of expressing myself and processing things, and performing on campus has definitely offered me that safe space as well.” Creating and teaching choreography for dances such as those in Rangila’s showcase offers a challenging experience for any dancer, and the process grows the skills of both dancer and choreographer, according to Murthy. “Teaching classical steps was difficult but rewarding for me, as it took me some time to learn how to explain the moves to my dancers, and communicating them in ways that met different people’s learning styles,” Murthy wrote. “I definitely grew a lot as a dancer from teaching, as I was much more attentive of my own technique and had to ensure that I standardized my steps.” Beyond just improving a dancer’s skill, the end product delivers a feeling of success because of the difficulty of implementing choreography, according to Anne Marie Huntington (COL ’19), a dancer with BMDT. “I was able to choreograph for our fall

show this year, so having my choreography performed by my fellow company members was super surreal and gratifying,” Huntington wrote in an email to The Hoya. “They’re all super talented and seeing my vision executed by them was really fulfilling.” In addition to the immediate benefits that dancing can offer and the fulfilling challenge that teaching choreography poses, dance grows confidence and shapes self-image by creating the space to make bold creative decisions, according to Murthy. “Looking back, I have seen myself grow immensely, not only as a dancer and choreographer but as a person,” Murthy wrote. “Throughout my involvement in Rangila and seeing ways to fuse various music and dance styles together, I have become more confident in my ideas, in getting out of my comfort zone, and in accepting my own identities.” The tenacity and determination that dance can help foster appears in every creative endeavor that students undertake on campus, according to Huntington. “I am also a Film and Media Studies minor, so for my capstone film I did mine on the process of choreography and focused on the piece of choreography I did for BMDT,” Huntington wrote. “When

my choreography wasn’t chosen for the spring show, I found another way of showcasing my work to a wider audience through dance in ‘Step by Step,’ my short film.” Dance can develop artistic confidence, but can also highlight important causes by motivating a community of artists to use dance for good, evident in Rangila’s philanthropy program, according to Ranganathan. “In addition to our weekly practices and social events, we instituted mandatory philanthropy workshops so that they could learn about the organization we were supporting, how to talk about trafficking and assault, and ways that Rangila was getting involved,” Ranganathan wrote. “I think that gave us all an even greater reason to dance. In my experience, the best Rangila performances I’ve ever had are the ones where our dancers feel that community and purpose.” Producing a dance performance that spreads awareness for a cause and directly benefits others gets at the heart of dance’s power and purpose, according to Ranganathan. “One of the best lessons that I got from Rangila is that art doesn’t mean a lot to me unless I can share it with other people,” Ranganathan wrote.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2019

THE HOYA

MUSIC

GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY RANGILA/FACEBOOK

GraceNotes, Georgetown’s first all-female a cappella group, delivers an outstanding performance at Rangila, the South Asian Society’s cultural dance showcase, in Gaston Hall. Senior Hanna Chan (COL ’19), center, not only performs as a member of GraceNotes but also produces her own music on SoundCloud.

Seniors Shine on Campus, Release Original Music SUNA CHA

Hoya Staff Writer

Whether in large showcases at Gaston Hall or intimate open-mic nights at Uncommon Grounds, sounds of music reverberate across Georgetown University. Guitars strum harmoniously while voices echo with soul. Hoyas partake in the music scene on the Hilltop through electives in choir, orchestra, jazz ensembles and even electronic music. Student organizations on campus are also popular ways for students to get involved in music, including a cappella groups like Superfood, Saxatones, Chimes, Phantoms and GraceNotes. These music groups on campus have positively shaped students’ time on campus, according to Hanna Chan (COL ’19), a member of GraceNotes. “It has undoubtedly made my time better - I wouldn’t have any sense of time management or a break from the normal grind of school without rehearsals and opportunities to make music!” Chan wrote in an email. Many of the organizations collaborate with one another to coordinate joint events, leading to more opportunities to interact with those who have similar interests and aspirations. These organizations have gathered to perform at the annual D.C. A Cappella

Festival, co-hosted by the Phantoms, Georgetown’s first co-ed a cappella group, and the GraceNotes, the university’s first all-female a cappella group. While Chan has been involved in GraceNotes, she also finds other ways to engage in Georgetown’s music community, like an art share hosted by Art Beyond the Margins in spring 2017 and the Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Dinner this year. Art Beyond the Margins aims to vocalize all kinds of artists, including poets, musicians and painters, of marginalized identities. Through its arts shares, the organization calls attention to the importance of recognizing the intersections of race and sexuality in producing art. This event was especially important to Chan for maintaining an inclusive campus. “There had never been a space for artists of color before and that was so beautiful. I love performing, but watching peers in my community perform in such an affirming space made me even happier,” Chan wrote. Despite these initiatives for more diversity in the music industry, Chan continues to struggle with reconciling her identity in a male-dominant pathway to success. Male songwriters and producers outnumber their female counterparts, according to a study in 2018 led by professor Stacy L. Smith at USC Annenberg. “It’s been tough being a headstrong,

but also sensitive queer, female vocalist of color. Music’s incredibly gendered and it’s intimidating when all the boys play instruments and gas each other up,” Chan wrote. Having a distinct identity places a significant burden on musicians to claim their worth as artists, according to Chan. “I have felt the pressure a lot to speak my truth in music because that’s exactly what being different from a lot of the other dominant musicians requires, I guess - I’m supposed to make something different, or else I don’t have a place there,” Chan wrote. In addition to the stress faced by musicians like Chan, the Hilltop also lacks the resources to find performing areas on campus, as it can often be difficult for students to reserve a venue, Julian Tamers (COL ’21) said in an October article from The Hoya (“Tune In: Hoya Musicians Who Rock the Hilltop,” The Hoya, October 5, 2018, B2). Rather than performing live, creating music online alleviates the anxieties on stage and offers the opportunity to internalize one’s art, according to Chan. Chan produces her own music on SoundCloud, including her “Birthday Party” EP released last August and her song, “My Own” released May 10. “I’ve found a lot of solace in holing myself up in a recording studio and mak-

ing things more privately,” Chan wrote. “I think digital recordings and that side of music as a whole separate art gives me a little space of my own to carve out and saves my little sensitive soul from cracking under the pressure in person.” Like Chan, Joe Sonza (COL ’19) creates his own music and recently released his second EP “SONZA 2,” which he performed in the Healey Family Student Center on April 27. Despite difficulties in maintaining focus and determination as a musician, a close network of companions and supporters helps conquer any challenges, according to Sonza. “I overcame and am still overcoming by looking to friends and community for support and encouragement and pushing hard and keeping the work ethic up,” Sonza wrote in an email. Although she will attend law school after graduation, Chan insists that she will continue making songs on her own and develop her passion even further. Her experience on the Hilltop has contributed to her growth as an artist, according to Chan. “Georgetown resources and musicians have made me a better singer, musician, and creative. I had the space to develop a vision here and the last year of releases of solo music are only the beginning!” Chan wrote.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2019

THE HOYA

What to Do in DC on Commencement Weekend SUNA CHA

Hoya Staff Writer

HAWAIIAN CULTURAL FESTIVAL

The Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian is hosting its annual Hawaiian Cultural Festival in honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month from May 18 to 19 in the Potomac Atrium. Admission is free for all guests. The Hawaiian Cultural Festival explores the legacy of King Kamehameha, who united the islands and established a royal kingdom in 1810. The day’s performances include Lua, a traditional Hawaiian martial art for warriors, and the museum will display a royal Hawaiian regalia, a traditional and elaborate outfit for nobility that features vibrant feather capes. The festival also includes events like scholarly presentations, music, storytelling and family activities.

NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: LISZT AND ROSSINI

In its series, “Unexpected Italy,” the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts celebrates Italian culture through music, opera, theater and other performances. On the evenings of May 16 and 17, the National Symphony Orchestra will play two masterpieces that center around Italian traditions of classical literature and music. In the program, Gianandrea Noseda conducts a cast of soloists playing “Stabat Master” by Gioachino Rossini, an Italian composer. The NSO will also present Franz Liszt’s “Dante” Symphony, an inventive piece paying mind to the Italian poet Dante Alighieri’s “Divine Comedy.”

ANNE FRANK TOUR

Washington, D.C. History and Culture, a nonprofit organization, is coordinating a two-hour guided tour focusing on the the life of Anne Frank at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. Visitors meet May 18 at 10:30 a.m. in front of the museum entrance on 14th Street. The tour primarily explores the museum’s permanent exhibit as it relates to Frank’s diaries and her striking story, especially timely given Frank’s upcoming 90th birthday June 12. After the tour, participants are invited to have a lunch discussion in the museum’s cafe about their thoughts of the tour. The event is hosted by Robert Kelleman, founder of the Washington, D.C. History and Culture organization and member of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. Registration can be found on Eventbrite for $8 per person.

YOGA ON THE MALL

Metro D.C. Community Yoga will host its 14th annual event on the National Mall. Newcomers to yoga and longtime yoga experts alike can bring their mat to the Lincoln Memorial on May 19 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. While Yoga on the Mall started with a few yogis, the event now attracts more than 7,000 participants. The suggested donation of $5 to $10 goes to help organizing and sponsoring Yoga on the Mall as well as D.C. Yoga Week. All remaining funds go to One Common Unity, a nonprofit organization that advocates anti-violence and builds community through music, arts and peace education.

OYSTERFEST

Come join Hank’s Oyster Bar at DuPont Circle on May 18 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to celebrate its annual OysterFest. This year marks the restaurant’s 14th anniversary. Hank’s Oyster Bar is hosting an all-you-can-eat-and-drink oyster extravaganza for guests over 21. The buffet features a wide. selection of old and new favorites, including fried popcorn shrimp, calamari, BBQ pork ribs, corn on the cob, German potato salad and housemade potato chips. An array of cocktails, beers and wines will also accompany the meal. Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite for $135 per person.

ANKARA BAZAAR

The Ankara Bazaar is an African fashion show May 18 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the IDEA Public Charter School in the Deanwood community on 1027 45th St. NE. With event locations in Philadelphia and New York City as well this summer, Ankara Bazaar celebrates African, African American and Caribbean tradition through fashionable, stylish patterned fabrics called ankara. This daylong event also features an open market with homeware, music, dance performances, food and drinks.

DC BIKE RIDE

Washington, D.C., is constantly bustling with opportunities for athletic leisure, including running trails along the Potomac River and bike tours of the National Mall. This year’s annual D.C. Bike Ride takes place May 18. The event celebrates recreational cycling and active lifestyles for all ages and levels of experience. The D.C. Bike Ride is the region’s largest closed-road, carfree bike event, making it the perfect opportunity to go outdoors and peruse the beautiful views that the District has to offer. D.C. Bike Ride makes exercising an enjoyable experience and ends with a Finish Festival, featuring food trucks, entertainment and other activities.

DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL

The Dragon Boat Festival is a two-day celebration May 18 and 19 organized by the Taiwan-U.S. Cultural Association to promote Taiwanese culture in the District through dragon boat racing. Teams will compete in this canoe sport on the Potomac. Other festivities of the day involve cultural exhibitions and craft demonstrations. The festival takes place at the Thompson Boat Center at 2900 Virginia Ave. NW. In the event of weather forcing the organizer to cancel the event in May, the rain dates are June 15 and 16.

TOP: @SMITHSONIANMAIL/INSTAGRAM, BOTTOM LEFT: ANKARA BAZAAR/FACEBOOK, BOTTOM RIGHT: DC YOGA WEEK FACEBOOK

Whether you are seeking an active day in the sun or a stroll through an engaging cultural festival, adventure-seekers and art connoisseurs alike in Washington, D.C., will be able to find something to do during Georgetown University’s commencement weekend.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2019

THE HOYA

MUSIC

THE SUMMER IN MUSIC DABABY ‘SUGE (YEA YEA)’

Tyler, the Creator recently announced his new album “IGOR,” set to come out later this month. The project will follow up on the Grammy-nominated 2017 album “Flower Boy,” in which Tyler took a more reflective tone than in his previous work, earning him critical and commercial praise. Although much remains unknown about “IGOR,” rumored collaborations with Playboi Carti and Pharrell Williams will help Tyler, the Creator continue his hot streak.

SKEPTA ‘IGNORANCE IS BLISS’

Compton rapper YG radiates energy in his Latin-inspired single “Go Loko.” The track features fellow Southern California rapper Tyga as well as the relatively unknown Puerto Rican rapper Jon Z, who delivers a thrilling rapid-fire verse in Spanish. The song has all the staples of a trap hit but also includes distinctive Mexican guitar strings and Spanish adlibs that set it apart from the oversaturated trap genre to create an incredibly fun listen.

British grime rapper Skepta is set to release his fifth studio album “Ignorance is Bliss” at the end of May. Skepta launched his international career with his 2016 album “Konnichiwa,” earning a co-sign by Drake for his label Boy Better Know and a spot on the U.S. Billboard 200. As one of the pioneers of the British electronic rap mixture genre known as grime, Skepta will potentially further his prominence in the United States with his upcoming album.

DJ SNAKE FT. OFFSET, 21SAVAGE, SHECK WES & GUCCI MANE ‘ENZO’

CHANCE THE RAPPER TBA

French producer DJ Snake continues to grow his list of hit singles with his latest star-studded collaboration. Following his 2018 smash Latin reggaeton track “Taki Taki,” “Enzo” takes a different direction. The song repeats a booming refrain from rising artist Sheck Wes and boasts stand-out verses from rap royalty 21 Savage, Offset and Gucci Mane. Wes’ infectious chorus frames each of the features and glides over the hypnotic trap production.

RICO NASTY & KENNY BEATS ‘COLD’ “Cold” comes off Rico Nasty and Kenny Beats’ latest release, “Anger Management.” The song captures Nasty’s fearless approach to rap as she spits out verses with an unrivaled and infectious energy. Nasty makes it clear she is not going anywhere by displaying her passion to change the world of rap with forceful lyrics and a direct, powerful way of delivering them. She asserts with righteous fury, “It be the same thing, just on a different day,” emphasizing her frustration with the status quo.

Chicago rap star Chance the Rapper will release his first debut album after five mixtapes this July as a follow-up to his Grammy-winning 2016 mixtape “Coloring Book.” Although the title has yet to be announced, Chance has continued to drum up hype for the album’s release, changing his Twitter name to “Chance the Rapper Album in July.” Individual releases like 2018’s “65th & Ingleside” and “Wala Cam” have offered a hint at the development of Chance’s sound, but fans wait with excitement to see what direction the rapper will take on his first full-length album.

MEGAN THEE STALLION ‘FEVER’ On her new album “Fever,” Megan Thee Stallion reveals a new alter ego named Hot Girl Meg after the success of her 2018 project “Tina Snow.” The Houston rapper released the lead single, “Sex Talk,” in March, and the album promises to showcase her rap prowess and distinct way of reclaiming her sexuality through her candid and sensual lyrics. The album is the product of signing with the record label 300 Entertainment, which recruited her as its first female rapper in 2018.

MEGAN THEE STALLION

RICONASTY

TYLER, THE CREATOR ‘IGOR’

CHANCE THE RAPPER

DJ SNAKE

YG FT. TYGA & JON Z ‘GO LOKO’

UPCOMING ALBUMS

SKEPTA

North Carolina rapper DaBaby is beginning to make waves in music with his bouncy breakout hit “Suge.” Inspired by Death Row Records co-founder Suge Knight, DaBaby puts his bravado on display, claiming he is a young CEO like Knight and declaring himself unafraid to fight anyone. The bold, audacious track features eclectic trap production that has become emblematic of DaBaby’s rise within the rap game.

Hoya Staff Writer

TYLER, THE CREATOR

DABABY

NEW SINGLES

ALLAN NAVARRO

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2019

THE HOYA

FILM

Summer Films Adapt Old Classics, Offer Entertaining Sequels MICHELLE BROWN

June 21

May 31

‘CHILD’S PLAY’

‘MIDSOMMAR’

This summer’s remake of the 1988 horror film “Child’s Play” stars Aubrey Plaza and Mark Hamill. The film centers around a seemingly harmless doll named Chucky, which is gifted to a young boy by his mother. Unfortunately for the Barclay family, Chucky is sentient and embarks on a murderous rampage that will satisfy fans of the slasher subgenre. Directed by Norwegian filmmaker Lars Klevberg, the reboot keeps the original’s violence while also adapting the killer doll Chucky for the modern era. This time, Chucky can connect to his victims’ phones for additional terror.

“Midsommar” is a horror film written and directed by Ari Aster, who is also responsible for the critically acclaimed film “Hereditary.” A couple seeking a peaceful getaway in Sweden, known for its vibrant celebration of midsummer — midsommar in Swedish — soon find themselves surrounded not by playful festivities but rather by dark and violent cult activity. The cult slowly reveals its true motives and threatens the couple’s vacation and their lives. The idyllic setting, filmed in Budapest, full of green rolling hills, only intensifies the horror of the chance encounter with the unexpectedly insidious cult.

Hoya Staff Writer

‘ROCKETMAN’ English director Dexter Fletcher, who worked as the second director of “Bohemian Rhapsody,” focuses his next biopic on the captivating life of musician Elton John. As the film navigates John’s remarkable talent and professional success, it also takes a more somber look at the realities of his rise to stardom, such as his depression and insecurities regarding his sexuality. British actor Taron Egerton plays the music legend and even met with John in preparation for the film.

July 3

August 9 ‘SCARY STORIES TO TELL IN THE DARK’ “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark” brings the children’s horror book series written by Alvin Schwartz throughout the 1980s to life on the big screen with chilling and gruesome detail. Directed by André Øvredal and written in part by horror and fantasy icon Guillermo del Toro, the film pits a group of teenagers against their deepest fears in order for them to make it out alive. With bonechilling monsters and a growing sense of dread among the haunted teenagers, “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark” promises to terrify.

1212 ENTERTAINMENT ORION PICTURES MARV FILMS

June 21 ‘TOY STORY 4’ The fourth installment in the decadeslong series, “Toy Story 4” reanimates Woody, Buzz Lightyear and other toys in a film about the toys’ lives with their new owner. The movie follows Woody after he runs into Bo Peep living without an owner at an amusement park while he is looking for “Forky,” a spork-turnedtoy who resents his toy existence. The cherished animated series focuses once again on the unbreakable bond between child and toy, and both longtime fans and new audiences will find something to enjoy in the fourth “Toy Story” movie.

HURWITZ CREATIVE

B-REEL FILMS

July 2 ‘SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME’ July 26 The Marvel Cinematic Universe does ‘ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD’ not miss a beat; in the wake of “Avengers: Endgame,” Marvel returns to the story of Peter Parker, also known as SpiderMan, who must now grapple with the consequences of the last Avengers film. “Far From Home” is a welcome sequel to the well-received “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” with Tom Holland reprising the lead role. The film sets the stage for a new era of action-filled superhero movies in which the new stars can shine now that many of the original cast members have finished telling their stories.

Quentin Tarantino’s newest film features an all-star cast including Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt and Margot Robbie. Tarantino reimagines a semi-fictitious 1969 Los Angeles in a dark comedy that explores the end of Hollywood’s Golden Age. DiCaprio plays a former television star and Pitt plays a stunt double; both characters attempt to reclaim celebrity while navigating the changing landscape of Hollywood. Robbie plays DiCaprio’s neighbor, Sharon Tate, the actress and model whose murder by Charles Manson made headlines and changed American pop culture.

COLUMBIA PICTURES

HEYDAY FILMS

August 16 ‘COLD CASE HAMMARSKJÖLD’ “Cold Case Hammarskjöld” is a documentary about the 1961 plane crash near present-day Zambia that killed the second secretary-general of the United Nations, Dag Hammarskjöld. Suspicion that Hammarskjöld’s plane was shot down fueled the investigation conducted by Mads Brügger and Göran Björkdahl, who attempt to prove in this grim documentary film that Hammarskjöld’s death was the work of Belgian pilot Jan Van Risseghem. The documentary surfaces as the latest project from Brügger’s investigative work, with past subjects including culture in North Korea and the blood diamond industry in Africa.

WINGMAN MEDIA APS

B10

THE HOYA

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2019

District Offers Dynamic Summer Concerts, Shows ZAIN SANDHU Hoya Staff Writer

May 17 JUICE WRLD @ THE ANTHEM Juice WRLD, though fairly new to the rap game, is quickly making a name for himself. The young rapper has shown a lot of promise on his debut studio album, “Goodbye and Good Riddance,” that produced the hit “Lucid Dreams” last year and his features on albums like Travis Scott’s “Astroworld.” This summer, he will be embarking on his tour titled “Death Race for Love,” accompanied by musical guests Ski Mask the Slump God and Smooky MarGielaa. He will be performing at The Anthem in D.C. on May 17.

June 7-16 DC JAZZ FESTIVAL The D.C. Jazz Festival is a nine-day jazz appreciation event that happens every summer in Washington, D.C. With a diverse array of venues and a roster of some of jazz’s most acclaimed artists such as U.S. musician Jon Batiste and fusion band Snarky Puppy, the festival is the perfect opportunity for avid fans of jazz to hear live renditions of their favorite songs and for newcomers to gain exposure to a genre of music that has deep roots in our nation’s capital.

June 20 BILLIE EILISH @ THE ANTHEM The edgy yet charismatic Billie Eilish has witnessed a meteoric rise to fame and popularity, culminating in the release of her debut album, “WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?” The young artist will stop by The Anthem on June 20 for her “When We All Fall Asleep” tour. The tour will feature special guest Denzel Curry, whose distinct brand of hip-hop will surely complement Eilish’s dark, eerie sound. Doors open at 6 p.m., and tickets can be found on The Anthem’s website for $55.

Aug. 3 KHALID @ CAPITAL ONE ARENA

Aug. 6

El Paso native and R&B powerhouse Khalid has solidified his name among pop’s biggest musical artists today after his breakout success with his 2016 single “Location.” Earlier this year, he released his second studio album, “Free Spirit,” following a 2018 EP “Suncity.” Capitalizing on the artist’s mainstream success so far, Khalid will launch his first arena tour this summer. Khalid plays at Capital One Arena on Aug. 3.

Atlanta-based rapper 21 Savage has shown immense personal and artistic growth over the past couple of years. While the 2018 release of his introspective album “i am > i was” established Savage as a formidable rapper, the online reaction to his detainment by ICE cemented his status as pop culture legend. 21 Savage will stop by the District this summer on tour at The Anthem on Aug. 6.

21 SAVAGE @ THE ANTHEM

Aug. 6-Sept. 8 DEAR EVAN HANSEN The stage musical “Dear Evan Hansen” had its world premiere at the Arena Stage in Washington, D.C., in July 2015. Shortly after, the play moved to Broadway where it received nine Tony Award nominations in 2017, winning best musical, best ccore and best performance by an actor in a leading role in a musical, among others. This summer, the critically acclaimed musical will be returning to D.C. from Aug. 6 to Sept. 8 at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets, available on the Kennedy Center’s website, range from $79 to $175.

Aug. 15 JONAS BROTHERS @ CAPITAL ONE ARENA Earlier this year, the three former teen idols known as the Jonas Brothers announced their comeback. Since two of the brothers built fairly successful independent ventures while on hiatus from the band — Joe Jonas with DNCE and Nick with his solo career — the group does not need to worry about irrelevance. Any reunion this big is enough to warrant a tour. The Jonas Brothers will visit D.C. at Capital One Arena on August 15.

Aug. 25 TAME IMPALA @ THE ANTHEM Since releasing their debut album “Innerspeaker” in 2010, the neopsychedelic rock group Tame Impala has grown in popularity while also constantly experimenting with their sound. Their 2015 release “Currents” was an undeniable success, leaving fans eager for more. While the group has not officially announced the release date for a new project, their two latest singles, “Borderline” and “Patience,” point to one potentially coming out soon. Tame Impala will be coming to D.C. at The Anthem on August 24 and 25.

TOP, BOTTOM LEFT: TICKETMASTER/FACEBOOK, BOTTOM RIGHT: TICKETFLY/FACEBOOK

This summer’s concert schedule is packed with a stellar lineup of dynamic artists, including the Jonas Brothers, top, who formed in 2005 and returned after a six-year hiatus. Khalid, left, and Tame Impala also attract fans for their catchy tunes and impressive live performances, as they constantly evolve as musicians.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2019

THE HOYA

B11

FOOD

DC Restaurants Offer Cuisines From Across the World ZAYTINYA

STEVEN BOTSOE Hoya Staff Writer

701 9th St. NW Penn Quarter, $$$

PURPLE PATCH 3155 Mt. Pleasant St. NW Columbia Heights, $$ Purple Patch is a Filipino restaurant and bar located in Columbia Heights that offers an assortment of Filipino as well as American fare and a variety of drinks. The restaurant prepares all of its food skillfully, but its traditional Filipino dishes, including the sizzling pork belly and egg dish called sisig, traditional Filipino egg rolls called lumpia, and the pork adobo, shine as standouts. The restaurant also serves desserts made with ube, a purple yam that adds an earthy, starchy sweetness to the menu. RASIKA WEST END/FACEBOOK

Zaytinya is a José Andrés restaurant with a lively, welcoming environment for enjoying Eastern Mediterranean-style small plates. Andrés, an internationally acclaimed chef, humanitarian and founder of ThinkFoodGroup, is one of the commencement speakers for this year’s graduation. His restaurant, Zaytinya, is located in Penn Quarter, near Capital One Arena. Even though the spacious restaurant is constantly bustling with people, Zaytinya’s sleek decor and casual atmosphere create the perfect balance between upscale dining and a family restaurant. Zaytinya offers the Chef’s Experience, which includes small plates and shared plates for $65 per person. An enjoyable taste of Mediterranean cuisine makes Zaytinya an appealing choice for a high-end lunch or dinner.

RASIKA WEST END 1190 New Hampshire Ave. NW Dupont Circle, $$$

PURPLE PATCH/FACEBOOK

Rasika West End is an Indian restaurant near Dupont Circle that offers both excellent Indian staples and some more uncommon dishes. The restaurant serves a delicious palak chaat, which features crispy fried spinach served with sauces and certainly lives up to its acclaim as a flavorful and distinctly textured dish. The meals are fairly expensive, but this standard is reflected in both the quality of the food and the ambience of the restaurant. Rasika West End follows through on its promise to deliver well-made, contemporary Indian food with a sophisticated, comfortable atmosphere. ZAYTINYA/FACEBOOK

LOS HERMANOS

MISS SAIGON

1426-8 Park Road NW Columbia Heights, $

3057 M St. NW Georgetown, $$

Los Hermanos is a casual, counter-serve spot in Columbia Heights that offers delicious Dominican food at a reasonable price. The restaurant is good for a quick meal, and its food portions are well-sized for their price. It provides many different options that allow customers to customize their meal and find their favorite combination of ingredients. This spot also sells imported Dominican sodas that augment the authenticity of the experience, while the energetic music played inside helps create a pleasant environment. Los Hermanos is an excellent restaurant to check out for a good, casual lunch or to satisfy a craving for Caribbean food.

Located on M Street, Miss Saigon serves excellent, authentic Vietnamese food. The restaurant caters to many different tastes, so even picky eaters are likely to find something satisfying. The caramel Chilean sea bass is a highlight as a flavorful fish option that is both enjoyable to eat and neatly prepared. The appetizers can bring together the whole table, and the fried chicken wings are seasoned perfectly and served with a house sauce. Miss Saigon offers these Vietnamese selections at a range of prices that can fit most tastes and wallets.

KAFE LEOPOLD

3315 Cady’s Alley NW Georgetown, $$

LOS HERMANOS DOMINICAN RESTAURANT

Kafe Leopold is located in Cady’s Alley, just off M Street. The cafe blends traditional Austrian food with a modern sensibility and aesthetic that makes for a refreshing choice during a casual day out in the Georgetown area. It includes savory dishes like its smoked salmon lachspizzetta, alongside pastries and assorted desserts and salads. The lighter fare of Kafe Leopold makes it a pleasant lunch or dinner spot in a cozy environment nestled right by the Potomac.

AMANDA M/YELP

ILLUSTRATION BY: SAMUEL NELSON/THE HOYA