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a, Basketball, Behind the Bench, Sports

Behind the bench: Canadian uprising

by Raphael Uribe Arango on

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Although Canada is known for producing hockey players and winter sport athletes, it may come as a surprise to some that the great white North is responsible for producing some extraordinary NBA talent in recent years. This influx of Canadian talent stems firstly from the influx of young Canadian basketball players into U.S. college programs.  Andrew Wiggins, Anthony Bennett, Tyler Ennis, and Cory Joseph have all made it through the U.S. college system and found some degree of success. Their talent flourished at the collegiate level, which gave them an excellent preparation for the NBA. Canada and its native players have had to accept that basketball programs in the U.S.—with their superior funding—provide greater support and preparation for prospective NBA players. Canadian basketball programs at the college level simply cannot compete with the scholarships and funding that U.S. basketball programs have. 

Another factor behind the rise of Canadian-born players in the NBA is in large part due to the growing popularity of basketball in Canada. The Toronto Raptors are the only NBA team in Canada and the popularity of basketball in this country, particularly around the Toronto area, is largely dependent on their success. Most of Canada’s NBA talent grew up in or around Toronto, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if many of these Canadian players grew up watching or supporting the Raptors. Furthermore, Raptor players act as ambassadors of the sport throughout Canada, and  are role models to many young and aspiring basketball players all over the nation.

Canada’s close geographical proximity to the U.S. is another more obvious reason for the rise of Canadian basketball players in the NBA. The influence of the NBA can easily leak into Canada through sport networks and exhibition games, which encourage young basketball players in Canada to aspire to play in the NBA. Young Canadian basketball players just have to look across the border if they want to play at a higher level in college before the NBA. 

The future looks very bright for Canadian basketball on the international stage. With Steve Nash as general manager of the national team, Canada should be a top competitor at the next FIBA World Championships, as well as the Olympic games. Though it is unlikely that Canada will topple the almighty Americans anytime soon, Canada could very well have the makings of a basketball powerhouse. 

With basketball increasing in popularity in Canada, another franchise could potentially set up camp in either Montreal or Vancouver. Ideally, the Toronto Raptors will eventually no longer be the lone Canadian NBA franchise. Perhaps currently improving performance and the ever-growing support for the Raptors might convince the NBA that Canada deserves a second NBA franchise. 

There is plenty of hope for the future of Canadian basketball, especially with the influx of new talent. It is possible that a feedback effect will take place, with players like Wiggins and Joseph inspiring many more young Canadians to persevere in the sport. As long as Canada does not heap too much pressure on its young basketball prodigies and instead allows the talent to flourish, it will continue to see a greater pool of talent develop. 

Canadian basketball players themselves can also be very hopeful indeed. The recognition that these players are receiving from their home country does not go unnoticed. This should motivate many more younger basketball players in Canada to train and compete with American athletes for a place in the NBA. 

 

a, Out on the Town, Student Life

Maison Publique

by Alycia Noë on

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Chef Derek Dammann, alum of Jamie Oliver’s London flagship restaurant Fifteen, opened up Maison Publique in October 2012. A casual neighbourhood pub where one can find both good food and drink, Maison Publique also featuresa cozy and welcoming ambiance. On its outer brick façade, there is a mural of the classic Montreal Molson brewery. Inside is a striking handmade wooden bar. The walls are covered with antique wallpaper and accented by a tin ceiling. Maison Publique deviates from pretentious designs; its simple, home-like interior accentuates its purpose— to serve good food.

The menu changes daily—with new specials written on a chalkboard above the kitchen window—as well as a staple menu displayed on pieces of paper posted on the wall. Options include gnudi with deer ragu, fried rabbit, pork, clams, and sautéed cabbage with water chestnuts and bacon. According to Dammann, he prioritizes the flavour and quality of his food above all else. 

“I take pride in serving sustainably grown and harvested produce, meats, and seafood because food tastes better when its ingredients are the products of thoughtful stewardship,” Dammann said. 

Dammann also believes in utilizing the whole animal, featuring at least one dish with offal (organ meats), because it gives the customer the chance to experiment with new foods.

“[Using offal] preserves an overlooked part of our culinary heritage,” Dammann said.

One of the classic dishes at Maison Publique is the maiale tonnato, a riff on the Italian classic vitello tonnato. Tonnato is a traditional Italian sauce made from tuna, anchovies, and capers. Damman pairs this creamy sauce with thinly sliced house-cured pork. The flavours contrast to create a wonderful mixture, with the tonnato sauce highlighting the saltiness of the cured meat. This dish brilliantly displays Drammann’s cooking philosophy, which is to have fun playing with established classics.

Dammann is willing to take risks with his menu at Maison Publique. For example, one of the specials of the day last summer was pork tartare. Until recently, it would have been considered harmful to eat raw pork, but Dammann said he responsibly sourced the pork from a personal friend and farmer, and prepared it with care.

A specialty of Maison Publique is its brunch menu. On Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30 a.m to 2:00 p.m., Dammann offers classical British pub food that is simple, but cooked brilliantly. The English breakfast for two is a great way to start off the weekend. It is a meat-focused feast with pork chops, bacon, sausages, and marrow served with baked beans and a side of bubble and squeak (sautéed potatoes and cabbage). For a smaller option, try the bangers (English breakfast sausages) and mash topped with gravy and peas. It is a crowd-pleasing favourite, as it pairs the luxurious fattiness of the homemade sausage with the creamy mashed potatoes and fresh peas.

Maison Publique is without a doubt one of the best restaurants in Montreal and it is definitely worth the visit. For vegetarians or vegans, however, this may not be the best option, as Dammann truly loves cooking with meat.

a, McGill, News

MUS i-Week hosts workshop on cultural differences and the workplace

by Catherine-Laure Juste on

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The Management Undergraduate Society (MUS) Organizational Behaviour and Human Resources (OB/HR) student group organized a discussion for professionals and students to share their ideas on how to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace last Wednesday.

The event was part of i-Week, an annual series of events organized by  McGill International Student Services. According to the i-Week Facebook page, the week aimed to highlight the multicultural nature of the McGill community and to broaden intercultural awareness and understanding. Panellists at the workshop included Nathalie-Michèle Sylvain and Jay A. Hewlin, two professionals in the human resources industry who are also instructors at the Faculty of Management. 

Sylain began the workshop by explaining how cultural expectations shape people’s attitudes at the workplace. 

“When one culture meets the other one, participants walk in the situation with [their own] mindset of what they think is normal [and] what they think the expectations are,” she said. “It is very important when you are in a cross-cultural context to never take anything for granted, to make sure you understand that your normal is not normal.”

Sylvain continued to highlight how diversity in the workforce could be a great asset. 

“A company needs to understand that if you have a workforce that is of the same culture, you are looking at the world, at solutions from the same angle,” Sylvain said. “When you have diversity […] you have people who look at the same situation but from different perspectives. That is your asset.”

Sylvain encouraged the students to learn more about other cultures. 

“Gaining knowledge means reading newspapers of other cultures […] by watching movies that are not [from] Hollywood,” she said. “ We are shaped by our culture. Remove that shape and get used to seeing and thinking in another way. That is how you acquire cultural intelligence.”

Qing-Qing Yang, U4 Management, co-president of the OB/HR network, and an organizer of the event, asked about the utility of affirmative action and its policies such as quotas, whereby a certain number of individuals from various underrepresented groups must constitute a certain percentage of the workers. 

“How can we mitigate issues of non-diversity?” she asked the panellists.

In response, Sylvain described the premise of quotas as a rigid structure that enforce diversity when it didn’t happen naturally in the workplace.

“The quotas were there because of bias […] throughout the whole HR process,” Sylvain said. “A quota is good because it forces you to have five of this and three of that. Then maybe you start seeing different perspectives—and [it] becomes an asset [….] Quotas should be temporary. After a while, you should not need them; it should be something natural.” 

In the second part of the event, Hewlin encouraged students to examine their own cultural preferences.   

“The most dangerous thing you can do is assume that you do not have a bias,” he said. “If you are not conscious of [your biases], you will act out in ways that are inconsistent with what you are trying to accomplish in terms of management.” 

He also warned against being colour-blind—electing to treat individuals without regard to their race, culture, or ethnicity—in the workplace.

“There is something dangerous about saying ‘I don’t see colour, I don’t see race,’” Hewlin explained. “Yes, you do, and it is okay [….] What is not okay is to make determinants [based on it].”

Yang stated that she organized the event to aim to increase student awareness of the importance of human resources.

“We get carried away sometimes with technical work and forget that [human resources] is also an area that brings value by tying everyone’s hard work, knowledge, and experience together,” Yang explained. “The skills that one can learn from attending these workshops are applicable to all industries and fields.” 

a, Campus Spotlight, Student Life

Campus Spotlight: UNICEF

by Laura Plamondon on

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McGill’s chapter of UNICEF has grown into a very different organization today from its conception in 2001. UNICEF McGill has changed radically over the past two years, growing in structural capacity, team spirit, support, and attendance from students. Over the past year specifically, UNICEF McGill has evolved from a fundraising charity that mainly hosted low-key events and bake sales to an association that gathers over 80 to 100 members every week. 

UNICEF McGill welcomes all students who are interested in committing themselves to children’s rights and would like to help children around the world get the support they need for survival and healthy development. Co-presidents Irfani Ausri, U3 Physiology, and D’Arcy Williams, U3 Honours International Development Studies, explained what first inspired them to get involved with UNICEF.

“I am a physiology student and would potentially want a career in medicine, and I believe that knowing the social aspects of health care is crucial,” Ausri said. “I found that getting involved with UNICEF McGill enabled me to understand these social aspects.”

Williams shared a similar sentiment.

“I grew up in a family that was heavily involved in UNICEF, and I find that UNICEF is a cause that everyone can rally behind,” Williams said. “I also felt strongly about advocating for children’s rights and felt I was making a meaningful contribution.”

UNICEF McGill’s core aim is to sensitize McGill students to the impoverished circumstances that some children have to grow up in around the world, while also fundraising to tackle worldwide issues related to children’s rights. The association organizes bake sales and other fundraisers such as their “Dare to wear” day, where professors are sponsored by their students to dress up for Halloween; last year, the initiative which generated $6,000. 

UNICEF McGill recently hosted UNICEF Week, which included a mix of advocacy and fundraising events, featuring a club event at Blizzarts on Thursday night called Turn up for humanity, as well as a coffeehouse at Gerts Bar on Monday evening. 

Williams and Ausri are thrilled with the success McGill UNICEF has achieved in the past few years. 

“When we first joined UNICEF McGill [four years ago], the annual goal the chapter was trying to achieve was around $5,000,” Williams said. “Last year, we received $11,000 in donations and last semester, we were able to get $14,000.” 

“What I find the most heart-warming is that we know the money collected is going straight to fixing the problems and isn’t spent on administrative expenses,” Ausri added.

Williams added that one of the most important improvements within the chapter is the growth of the relationships between the community and the ability of the executive team and members to work together effectively. 

“We have the best exec team a president could wish for,” said Williams.

New member Charlotte Cailliarec, U1 Arts, shared a similar sentiment. 

“Even though I am a new member, both the other members and the execs have been very friendly, welcoming, and enthusiastic,” she said. 

UNICEF McGill has kicked off the new year to a strong and united start, with high attendance at its various events during UNICEF Week and a growth in both membership and community.

a, News, SSMU

SSMU Council discusses council composition, tuition deregulation

by Cassie Lee on

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School of Environment student campaigns for a seat on SSMU Council

The Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) Legislative Council met last Thursday to discuss the possibility for the School of Environment to gain a seat on Council,  McGill’s stance on tuition deregulation, and the possibility of joining FEUQ. 

Benjamin Ger, a member of the McGill Environment Student Society (MESS), spoke to Council regarding the addition of a School of Environment seat in SSMU Council. 

Ger’s proposal was based on the grounds that Environment students do not have a large enough voice on campus, despite their faculty size of over 500 people. 

 “There are just no spots dedicated to us [on campus],” Ger said. “I wanted to change that.”     

Medical councillor Joshua Chin pointed out that there are four Arts, three Science, and one Arts & Science representatives to Council. He argued that as the School of Environment currently has students in all three of these faculties, they already have a certain amount of representation through these councillors. According to Chin, adding another seat for the School of Environment runs the risk of over-representation.

Ger presented possible solutions to counter over-representation such as taking away environment students’ representation in the faculties of Arts & Science, Arts, and Science. Instead, he suggested, they would only be able to vote for an Environment representative.      

Ger added that the current division of the School of Environment’s constituency has led to a weakening of their collective voice.

“It’s very hard to get a [voiced] decision for us,” Ger said. “We are smaller than [the science and arts undergraduate societies] but we are over 500 students large.” 

The last faculty to gain a seat in Council was Arts & Science in 2011, a faculty comprised of around 600 students.  According to Arts & Science Senator Chloe Rourke, the addition was positive for the students of the Faculty of Arts & Science, who felt prior to this addition they were not properly represented. 

“It’s a valuable person to have, just because it gives Arts & Science [students] a […] direct link and a more [direct] representation,” she said. Arts representative Lola Baraldi also spoke in favour of creating the additional Council seat. 

“I think it would be very valuable from a sustainability point of view, especially since we don’t have as many sustainability coordinators as last year,” she said.

If Ger can collect the requisite 500 signatures, the decision to create a new Council seat for the School of Environment will be made by students this Winter Referendum period. 

Provost discusses tuition 

deregulation

Provost Anthony Masi spoke regarding the issue of the deregulation of all remaining non-deregulated faculties for international students. Deregulated faculties currently include that of Management, Science, Engineering, and Law.

Building upon discussion on deregulation at the Jan. 21 Senate meeting, Masi said deregulation would allow McGill to retain more money from students tuition fees, particularly because money from the international student tuition supplement fee is currently collected by the provincial government and re-distributed across Quebec universities. 

In response to a question as to how McGill would use the funds gained from deregulating tuition, Masi stated that although McGill has not worked out the exactly where the money is needed most, academics remain a top priority for the McGill administration. 

 

FEUQ Presentation

Jonathan Bouchard, president of the Fédération Étudiante Universitaire du Québec (FEUQ), a Quebec student union, spoke on behalf of the organization at the Council meeting.

According to Bouchard, FEUQ lobbies the federal and provincial government for student rights. 

“McGill has a university point of view, where we try to have a more complete Quebec and student point of view,” he said.  

FEUQ currently works with the Post-Graduate Students’ Society (PGSS) Council to help lobby for equitable prices for student housing, off-campus work programs, and against tuition hikes. Another project includes pushing for legislation that renders unpaid internships illegal. Bouchard disagreed with Masi’s stance on deregulation, warning Council of the possible repercussions of the fee increase, which may lead to determental tuition hikes. 

“French students are [experiencing] a tripling of their fees […] so we’re doing as much as we can [to pressure] the government,” he said. “The benefits that [are] gained from international students will surely decrease.”

Although SSMU was a founding member of FEUQ in 1989, it disaffiliated in 2006 and is not currently a voting-member. Current afflilation with FEUQ would result in approximatly a $2.50 fee per student.

“What exactly can we get more with FEUQ than with we had with TACEQ?” Councillor Anikke Rioux asked referring to the Table de concertation étudiante du Québec (TACEQ), a student union that SSMU had been a part of, but disaffiliated from in 2014.

In response, Bouchard spoke to FEUQ’s national status.

 “The advantage with FEUQ is […] the capacity for its members to have a complete impact on […] the national assembly [… and] on what is said on the national level.”

Council did not decide on their affiliation with FEUQ at Monday’s meeting.

New General Manager

Jennifer Varkonyi, SSMU’s new General Manager, attended her first Legislatitive Council on Thursday. Her first offical day was Monday, Feb. 3.

a, Arts & Entertainment

Album Review: CAIRO – A History of Reasons

by Alexander Bullis on

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Toronto-based indie rock group CAIRO, after garnering significant regional attention from the release of the music video for its single “A History of Reasons,” has delivered a full-length debut album that lives up to its hype. It is by no means groundbreaking, but is still a perfectly listenable amalgamation of folksy indie drama and mainstream pop.

The performances on the album are of exceptionally high quality for a first release, and each song is written with an impressive degree of vision. The skillful orchestration of dramatic drum fills, resonating violin melodies, and sweeping vocal harmonies give tracks such as “Kingdom” a powerful sense of urgency.

While the instrumentation is strong, the definitive weak point in the album is the lyrics, which are often distracting and overthought. The content feels forced, and is more reminiscent of 2000s-era emo than the introspective poetry the band advertises. The liner notes only serve to further this issue, awkwardly framing wistful excerpts upon Tumblr-esque black and white imagery. When combined with the dramatic feel of the music, the lyrics sometimes confer a feeling of histrionics and melodrama rather than theatricality.

Although at times it can take itself far too seriously, A History of Reasons is still a completely respectable debut. More than anything, it indicates the promise the band holds, and shows listeners that with refinements, CAIRO hold the potential to become a staple of the Canadian indie rock scene.

a, Arts & Entertainment, Film and TV

Waiting for August a tender portrait, but not much else

by Anna St. Clair on

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Waiting for August, directed by Teodora Ana Mihai, tells the story of 15-year-old Georgiana and her six siblings, who live together in a Romanian housing project. The pack of children must adjust to life when their mother goes to Italy to find work and Georgiana takes on the role of both mother and sister. The daily struggles of Georgiana and her siblings are at times both touching and relatable. Yet the movie spends far too much time doting on the mundanities of domestic life to fill up its 90 minutes.

The colour scheme of the film is light and peachy, suggesting that this is a world inhabited and ruled by children. At times their lives seem normal, mundane, and culturally typical that you wonder why the subject is worthy of a documentary at all. For one of the children, his life revolves around what toys he does and does not have, just like a normal kindergartener. The children are blissfully unaware of their family’s circumstances and cry about not getting to eat an endless amount of ice cream, or not getting as many toys as they had hoped. 

The signs of the children’s poverty are always present to us, yet they seem not to notice. The tiny, dilapidated apartment causes the scenes to appear cramped, creating a sense that there is always more movement and commotion going on just out of frame. It’s always a mystery as to how many people are packed into the one bed that they all share. 

Like with most childhoods in the modern, globalized world, the presence of computer games, clothing, TV, and sweets isn’t lacking. Yet at other times, there are cultural peculiarities: While the older brother spends most of his time playing video games like a typical teenager, Georgiana spends most of her time cleaning and cooking.

While the concept had potential, there just wasn’t enough material for a 90-minute fly-on-the-wall documentary. We get tedious scene after tedious scene of Georgiana writing grocery lists, getting ready for school, cleaning, and cooking, as the younger children whine, shout, fight, and play. If the film succeeds in anything, it’s in presenting the universal nature of childhood—especially the remarkable ability of children to make a playground out of literally anything, including swinging from the top of the bedroom door. 

Most of the film’s plot is in the grind of daily life. There is a sense that at any moment, a dramatic tragedy could unfold, before you realize that Georgiana mostly has things under control. There are strings of petty problems, though the larger problems seem to fizzle out. 

In one scene, a nun threatens to send the children to an orphanage, claiming it’s not right to have them living without a mother. This causes distress for Georgiana—fear that she’ll be sent to an orphanage, questioning if her mother made the right decision. Ultimately, she is allowed to remain in the apartment. In another scene, Georgiana is found crying over failing to get the grade needed to get into a good high school, yet there is never a follow up on what high school she ends up going to. 

While the film overall provides a solid narrative, its inability to add depth to the plot, choosing instead to focus on the humdrum and mundane, is ultimately its downfall.

a, Martlets, Sports

Martlets can’t find mojo, fall flat against Carabins

by Catherine Mounier-Desrochers on

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McGill Martlets
0

Montreal Carabins
3

The McGill Martlets (11-6) fell to the Université de Montréal Carabins (14-3) 3-0 Friday. Despite strong teamwork and a hot start, the Martlets could not overcome the Carabins’ potent attack, dropping all three sets.

As the match started, the Martlets seemed confident, especially after winning 3-2 in their last meeting against division-leading Montréal. McGill delivered a solid performance in a captivating match, fighting hard to win the third set 17-15 in its opponents’ gym.

With only two weeks left before the RSEQ semifinals, and the Martlets stuck in a three-way tie for second place in the four-team division, both teams were very aware of how crucial the game was. The atmosphere was intense in Love Competition Hall, and with the support of a large home crowd, the team’s spirits were high.

The first set was punctuated by even play from both sides as McGill tried to surprise its opponent for the second time in a row. McGill succeeded in putting up a good fight for most of the first set, but couldn’t keep it up, losing 25-17.

As the game progressed, the Carabins gained confidence, and it showed in their aggressive offence. With 33 kills, they had McGill’s defence on the ropes all game. Despite leading for some time during the first set, things fell apart for the Martlets in the next two, which McGill dropped 25-13 and 25-8.

Montréal seemed truly motivated to get revenge for last week’s dramatic upset, and showcased a balanced attack for the crowd. They put a lot of pressure on McGill’s defence and serve reception, making it difficult for them to create on offence.

“The last time we played Montréal, we were able to suprise them with various plays and we served very well,” said Head Coach Rachèle Béliveau. “[This time,] the Carabins were dominant at the net and their serve reception was better.”

Montréal also benefited from a strong blocking game, registering 11 blocks compared to just five for McGill. Martlet rookie middle Myriam Robitaille was a bright spot on the night, turning in a solid performance at the net with four kills and three blocks.

“Last week against Montreal, we served really [well] and were able to destabilize their serve reception and their [offence,] but tonight we were more defensive than aggressive,” Robitaille said. “We have to create more attacking opportunities.”

Despite great effort and determination by sophomore libero Marjolaine Ste-Marie on defence, the Carabins’ outside hitters proved to be too much, using their height to their advantage. Martlet veteran power-hitter Ashley Norfleet and setter Marie-Christine Lapointe still managed to get five kills each with the help of star setter Yasmeen Dawoodjee’s steady performance.

This season has been very back-and-forth thus far for the Martlets, who have registered at least one win and one loss to every team in their division. The Carabins sit atop the RSEQ with 14 wins, but McGill, Sherbrooke (11-6), and Laval (11-6) are all tied for second with 11 wins.

“For the last games of the season, we’ll concentrate on us as a team, and try to play more aggressively at the net,” Robataille explained. We [aren’t talking] about playoff games yet because we are really focusing on those last decisive matches.”

After a dramatic 3-2 win against Laval Saturday, the Martlets will look to ride the momentum and solidify their playoff chances with a win against Sherbrooke this Friday. The game kicks off at 7 p.m. at Love Competition Hall, and will be the Martlets’ last home game of the year before embarking on a two-game road trip to cap off the regular season.

a, McGill, News

Rad Sex Week event exclusive to people of colour causes controversy on campus

by Shrinkhala Dawadi on

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The Rad Sex Week workshop, Desires: A QT*POC Exploration, caused controversy on campus after organizers stated that the event was not open to white people. 

“This workshop is closed to folks who identify as LGBT*QIA and as a person of color,” the event description reads. “‘A’ here denotes asexual, not ally. POC here denotes anyone who self-identifies with the term [….] We will not be policing your self-identity around race or skin tone: If you feel like you will benefit please come.”

The page had been edited to remove the phrase “white folks need not attended,” which had previously been included in the event description.

Rad Sex Week is hosted by Queer McGill and will run from Jan. 26 to Feb. 5.  According to the Facebook page, Rad Sex Week constitutes a series of events that explore gender and sexuality through anti-oppressive, feminist, trans and queer friendly perspectives. 

Deputy Provost (Student Life and Learning) Ollivier Dyens stated that the McGill administration had corresponded with the Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) after receiving complaints from McGill students about the event.

“There was a complaint; we looked into it,” Dyens said. “The Quebec Charter of Human Rights says you can’t discriminate on different bases and race is one of them. We told [SSMU] that we understand why this is being done but we’re not comfortable with it. This is a SSMU club and this is SSMU’s responsibility. Our role is to reach out to SSMU […] but ultimately it’s their call.”

SSMU Vice-President University Affairs Claire Stewart-Kanigan explained that she believed that the event was in accordance with SSMU’s Equity Policy.

“Our Equity Policy acknowledges that current and historical processes affect the safety and well-being of groups targeted by these processes,” she said. “Accordingly, we acknowledge that offering spaces to comfortably discuss lived experiences resulting from these processes is an important step in building safer, supportive environments.”

In light of the controversy surrounding Rad Sex Week, the Science Undergraduate Society’s (SUS) General Council passed a motion from the floor in support of Queer McGill and Rad Sex Week during their Jan. 26 Council meeting.

“Be it further resolved, that the SUS reaffirm its commitment to the equitable treatment of all students and the promotion of safer spaces, as well as its belief in the necessity and propriety of closed POC spaces,” the motion read. “Be it further resolved, that the SUS work with Queer McGill in promoting Rad Sex Week, including but not limited to offering Queer McGill promotion of the event on the SUS Facebook, SUS Website, and SUS Listserv.”

SSMU Science representative Zacheriah Houston co-sponsored the motion with SUS Vice-President External Emily Boytinck. Houston explained that he co-sponsored the motion because he believed that Queer McGill and Rad Sex Week offered importance services to the McGill community.

“I initially heard about the controversy regarding Queer McGill’s decision to host the event when the QM Resource Coordinator emailed […] Boytinck, letting us know that they were looking for endorsements for the concept of closed-POC events,” Houston stated. “I support Queer McGill’s decision to hold this event, and was saddened by the negativity surrounding it. To me, the scope of the event was clearly within Queer McGill’s objective of creating [safer]spaces.” 

The SUS is planning to host similar closed events in the future, said Boytinck.

“The SUS equity committee is working on a bunch [of initiatives] this semester, including on passing on this information for years to come.” Boytinck said. “We’ve talked about creating queer science spaces, women in physical sciences spaces, people of colour in science spaces [….] We’ll totally have allyship events where we welcome allies, but I definitely think it’s important to have closed events.”

 

 

a, Arts & Entertainment, Theatre

Peer Review: Players’ Theatre Round Dance

by Morgan Alexander on

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When watching student productions, it’s easy to ignore the behind-the-scenes work that goes into creating a single show. From lighting and set design to casting and directing, every element of these productions is under the control of individual students. Off stage,  many of these same players simultaneously spend their time enrolled in class, working part-time jobs, or participating in other extracurricular activities. 

Hannah Kirby, a U4 Mathematics and Theatre student with a minor in music, is one of those studentsdirecting the last Players’ Theatre show of the season, Round Dance. It is her first time directing, but the third of four productions she’ll be involved in during the 2014-2015 school year alone.

“I wake up at five a.m.,” Kirby explained. “I’m working on two plays this semester and I have a part-time job [….] I [also] try to train at least once a week with [the varsity soccer team].”

With the play premiering in less than three weeks, Kirby is beginning to feel the pressure to bring everything together. Because Players’ was showing The Creation of the World and Other Business, the cast for Round Dance has had to practice in various other locations around campus—a task that has proven difficult to accomplish.

“We try to rehearse in SSMU, in the basement mostly, but there are always times when the room booking gets messed up,” Kirby said. “So there have been times where we’ve gone over to Sherbrooke 688 and looked for an empty classroom.”

Now that they’re beginning to move into the actual theatre space, however, a whole new set of problems has arisen. A primary problem is that sawdust causes the fire alarms to go off—a significant inconvenience when you’re trying to build the set. Technical problems are often rife in theatre spaces at McGill, but Kirby is remaining optimistic, if not realistic.

“I’m not really afraid of anything,” Kirby said. “I hope the technical elements come together well [….] I have so much confidence in my actors but sometimes the sound cue just breaks, or the computer breaks, the light stops working, and that’s when you have to improvise.”

Technical difficulties aside, Kirby’s enthusiasm for the play is palpable. Round Dance was written by Arthur Schnitzler in 1897, but Kirby believes the overall themes presented in the original script, along with her adaptations, will make it accessible for a modern audience.

“It’s a play that was written over 100 years ago, but it’s still very present today,” Kirby explained. “I am thinking a lot about the universality of the relationships that are presented in the play. In that sense, I like to think of [Round Dance] as timeless.”

As for her cast and crew, it’s all about working together and keeping things fun.

“I love meetings—communication is super important,” Kirby said. “My job is to know the play super well and be really present in rehearsals so that I can react to whatever they’re offering, whatever they’re bringing to the table, so that together we can bring it to the next level.”

While Players’ Theatre doesn’t follow a specific pattern in picking its productions—the directors apply with a show in mind—this year has come with easy-to-define themes and a series of strong performances.

“September—hilarious,” Kirby quipped. “October: Oh, What A Lovely War. Very interesting ensemble work, a different type of plot, really interesting themes. November was really philosophical and intense [….] I haven’t seen the January show yet.”

As for Round Dance, which will be showing just after Valentine’s Day, Kirby promised a topical show for the Hallmark™ holiday.

“It’s all about sex,” Kirby said. “It’s perfect for the broken-hearted. Perfect for the in-love. Probably better for the broken-hearted [….] It’s theatre—you have to be there.”

Round Dance will be performed from Feb. 18 to 21 and Feb. 25 to 27 at 7:30 p.m. at the McGill Players’ Theatre (3480 McTavish). Tickets are $6 for students, and $10 for the general public.

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