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‘Keely’ and education events

Rosie Swan
Contributing Writer

The Xavier Players will put on their last studio production of the season this weekend. The show, entitled “Keely and Du,” is a dramatic piece that deals with the controversy around abortion and emotionally displays both sides of the issue.

The show, directed by Performing Arts Director Cathy Springfield, brings to light the reasons why people feel strongly about this issue. The play follows the story of Keely, a pregnant woman who is struggling after being raped by her ex-husband, and Du, a Right to Life activist who kidnaps Keely in an attempt to save her unborn child.

Because of the heaviness of the material, several extended learning events will be going on at the university over the next week to allow students to speak out and learn about the issue. At 3 p.m.on Thursday, March 15 there will be a showing of the film “Vera Drake” in Alter B12. The viewing will be followed by a discussion moderated by Xavier faculty member, Dr. Marie Giblin.

The film tells the story of Vera Drake, a selfless woman who is devoted to her family, friends and neighbors. However, she also secretly helps women to induce miscarriages for unwanted pregnancies. The film follows her life and the changes that take place after she is found out by the authorities.

Continuing with more film education, at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, March 16 there will be another film viewing and discussion in Alter B12. The movie, “If These Walls Could Talk,” will be shown. The made-for-TV movie tells the story of three women and their dealings with the evolution of abortion and reproductive rights in America. The film, which was co-directed by Cher, stars Demi Moore, Sissy Spacek and Anne Heche.

The final event surrounding the production of “Keely and Du” will be an Inter-Religious Forum on Reproductive Rights held from 4-6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 20 in the Gallagher Student Center Theatre.

This forum, moderated by Xavier University faculty member Dr. James Buchanan, will include representatives from the Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Buddhist and Muslim traditions and will discuss their stance on abortion. The panel’s presentation will be followed by an open discussion with the audience.

Director Cathy Springfield hopes that the production of “Keely and Du” on a campus such as Xavier University will bring out both sides of this controversial topic. “I hurt for people who feel they can’t have their voices heard,” she stated. “There is a lot of misinformation on both sides of this issue. How do you fair it all out?”

Springfield hopes that this show, as well as the surrounding events, will give people the opportunity to speak out and learn. There will be a talk-back with Springfield and the cast of “Keely and Du” after each performance to allow for open discussion about the show and its material.

“Keely and Du,” written by Jane Martin, runs at 7:30 p.m. March 15-17 and at 2 p.m. on March 18 in the Gallagher Studio. The show stars senior Monica Bartz-Gallagher and Xavier theology professor Dr. Sarah Melcher. Tickets are $3 for students/faculty and $5 for adults. Reservations can be made at the box office by calling x3939.

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Unrated! with Jeff McMurry

Jeff McMurry
Contributing Writer

Something profound happened to me while I was in Atlantic City this past weekend. No, it was not when I lost close to a hundred dollars at the tables and slots. Nor was it when I was up till five in the morning drinking with a man named John Cash (this one makes surfboards, not music).

Instead, it was the purchasing and reading of a book. Now, most people do not equate Spring Break with books and reading but this was a special case. I purchased a book titled Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs by Chuck Klosterman and I can say that it is probably the best $15 I have ever spent.

For a point of reference, here are things you can do with $15 these days: Play a hand of blackjack at the Tropicana in Atlantic City, buy a case of beer, or buy two tickets to see the movie “Black Snake Moan.” All of these are great things to do, especially seeing the movie “Black Snake Moan.”

I call Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs a book, but it is in fact a collection of essays. With that in mind, I’m sure most of you reading this are asking yourselves, “Jeff, why would I want to read a collection of essays that has nothing to do with a class I’m taking?” Well, here’s why:

Because it talks about one of the greatest shows of our generation, “Saved by the Bell.” It talks about why the show is so great. It talks about the characters, the plots and everything in between. It talks about why we loved it then and still love it now.

Because it talks about one of the greatest rivalries in sports history, the Celtics and Lakers in the 80s*. Klosterman breaks this down so much that he claims that you can tell what a person stands for based on who that person cheers for. He claims Republicans cheered for the Celtics and Democrats cheered for the Lakers.

Because it talks about a Guns `N Roses tribute band and that it is OK to be sexually attracted to Pamela Anderson. It talks about the creation of society’s youth because of the show “The Real World.” It talks about how the idea of love has been ruined by John Cusack and that the Fonz in “Happy Days” was probably a virgin.

In short, it talks about reality. It talks about our lives. It talks about the same things everyone talks about. Thing is, Klosterman just does a better job of it than we do.

Well, that’s all for this week. I’m off to the corner to earn back the money I lost in Atlantic City.

*The Yankees and Red Sox is not a great rivalry; it is a love fest by ESPN.

 Briefs

Stephanie Metz 
Diversions Editor

Men’s basketball viewing party

Can’t make it to Lexington to enjoy the fun of Xavier’s first game in the NCAA tournament? You can still share a good time by coming to the viewing party at 9:30 on Thursday in the GSC atrium. There will be free Skyline, LaRosa’s and Subway as well as prizes! Come support the Muskies as they take on BYU.

March movie madness

March is definitely the month of basketball. The Xavier Peer Leadership Team is showing “Hoosiers” as part of the Leadership Movie Madness. The film starts at 8 p.m. on Wednessday, March 14 in Tucker’s Lounge. There will be a discussion afterwards and refreshments provided.

Rock-paper- scissors

Were you always the champion of rock, paper, scissors on the playground in the good old days? Well, now is time to bring those mad skills into the spotlight once again. SAC is sponsoring the event at 6 p.m. on Thursday in the cafeteria. You could win the ultimate prize of $150!

Women’s basketball viewing party

The Lady Musketeers are getting some playing time in the NCAA tournament this weekend. Join your friends at 7 p.m. on Saturday at Ryan’s Pub for $1 blue beer and 25 cent wings. Come cheer on the women as they take on West Virginia!

“Pursuit of Happyness”

Come see Will Smith in his Oscar nominated role in “The Pursuit of Happyness.” The film begins at 11 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday in the GSC Theatre. You can finally find out why they spell happiness with a “y”.