Arts and Entertainment

Dhamaka 2018: Spoken word, seniors and South Asian culture

It’s rare to see strong Rice student turnout at events besides public parties (and attendance at those is also dubious), but cultural showcases like Dhamaka almost always guarantee a packed room. An annual event hosted by the South Asian Society, Dhamaka brings together multiple cultural groups for a colorful showcase of South Asian culture.

‘Yukon Breakfast’ offers a humane lens to ‘Frankenstein’

The play, produced by, directed by and starring Rice students, gained a full production after winning the Rice Players’ first-ever Playwriting Competition. (The Rice Players gave stage readings of two runner-ups, Kevin Mullin’s “Have You Seen My Cactus?” and Elsa Schieffelin’s “The History of Flight,” during the Rice Playfest from Nov. 9 to 10.) 

Rice Dance Theatre: Inside the Making of ‘Limitless’

Patching the Past: Featuring VADA and English senior, Claudia Middleton

‘Outlaw King’: Clumsy but worthwhile

Although shows like “Game of Thrones” has seen a rise in popularity, medieval films have not followed suit. Production of such films is few and far between. Director David Mackenzie attempts to rectify this dearth of Middle Age epics with his new film “Outlaw King,” a flawed yet compelling piece of grand medieval entertainment.

'Recognize My Sign' breathes new life into embroidery

As a medium traditionally associated with the feminine, embroidery and its users have unfortunately remained in the background of mainstream contemporary art. Moufarrege belongs to a new wave of artists seeking to reclaim the skill through radical, bold expression.

How to pair your winter accessories

 Unpack your cozy sweaters, mittens, and hats because the weather is soon dropping to (gasp)... 55 degrees. However, piling on layers in these bitter times does not mean you have to sacrifice style.

Will Rice to host Rocky Horror-style production of 'The Room'

According to Grimme, the performance will be styled after “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” with the film projected onto the backdrop and actors mimicking it word for word, movement for movement. Grimme also said he intends for the show to be interactive, engaging the audience during quieter moments. 

KTRU showcases local talent at Halloween show

The peak of his performance was towards the end, when he brought up collaborator Danna Ghafir (Martel ‘18) and treated the crowd to a sultry performance between the two.

Filipino Street Festival brings cultural performances, food to Rice Stadium

Truly experiencing the Filipino Street Festival came not just from seeing the performances, but tasting the food. Dishes included lechon (prepared by roasting an entire pig), adobo (chicken) and pancit (thin noodles). 

A guide to ramen around Houston

‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ relies too heavily on existing fandom

If you listen to music, you probably like Queen and its legendary frontman Freddie Mercury. It is this universal appeal that serves as the foundation for the new Freddie Mercury biopic “Bohemian Rhapsody,” a film that relies too heavily on the built-in fandom of its killer soundtrack and shies away from delving into any material of profound substance.

BSA Presents: Open Mic Night 2018

Friday night in the Multicultural Center lounge saw students feasting on fried chicken and Texas toast while sitting on couches, listening to the carefully polished words and songs from the center stage. The Black Student Association’s Open Mic Night featured students performing five different acts for an audience of 30. Performances ranged from songs to poetry readings and were all met with enthusiastic applause. 

Inked: BioSci and VADA senior, Kira Chen

Menil Drawing Institute Opening

As I walk down a street lined with houses, the svelte, modern Menil Drawing Institute appears from the surrounding greenery, enticing me to discover what’s inside. The MDI, which had its grand opening this past weekend, is the first new building to be added to the Menil’s “neighborhood of art” in over 20 years. According to Director Rebecca Rabinow, the MDI is the first institute in America to be solely “dedicated to the acquisition, conservation, display, study and storage of modern and contemporary drawings.” The space reflects a commitment to exposing the community to the world of drawing through inviting architecture and providing free admission.

Best and worst of Freaky Deaky 2018

As festival goers wind down after this past weekend’s Freaky Deaky, Houston’s Halloween electronic dance music festival, the Thresher offers the highlights and flops of the weekend.

‘Dimensions Variable’ provides another angle

The performance art show “Dimensions Variable” was held Oct. 27 in Matthew Ritchie's “The Demon in the Diagram,” a sprawling exhibition currently occupying the entirety of two galleries in the Moody Center for the Arts. The 40-minute piece, produced by the Hope Mohr Dance troupe and composer Evan Ziporyn, was intended to use dance to elaborate on the message of Ritchie's piece. 

Slaying the cold: A guide to winter beauty

As November approaches and temperatures in Houston finally drop, expect cooler winds and dry air. While it’s nice not to  be drenched in sweat every time you step outside, this change in climate also transforms the texture and moisture of your hair and skin. Chilly days may leave your skin chapped and peeling, and your hair brittle and dull. Here are special winter beauty tips to combat the cold temperatures and leave you looking refreshed and vibrant. Disclaimer: Tips are based on personal experience and results can vary from person to person.

Stay trendy in the colder weather with this season’s picks

While the internet’s obsession with all things “hygge” (which is Danish for a moment or experience that is particularly cozy) seems to have waned a bit, the pursuit of being cozy still seems to be very “on trend.” Whether you’re looking forward to colder temps over winter break or have difficulty toughing it out in the frozen tundra that is Herzstein Amp, you’ll find many cozy options like sherpa hoodies, boucle cardigans and extra soft chenille sweaters to keep you warm. 

Celebrating Día de los Muertos in Houston: MECA Makes an Impact

A local nonprofit is involving local Houston communities in the exploration and appreciation of Latinx culture with its annual festival celebrating Día de los Muertos. Multicultural Education and Counseling through the Arts (MECA) hosts the annual event that boasted upwards of 10,000 visitors in 2017. The festival runs for two days in late October and offers festival-goers the chance to experience various facets of Latinx traditions, including food, music and crafts.