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The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

A cast sheet for the University of Iowa Theatre Department’s Just For Fun Comedy show is seen on Wednesday, March 31st, 2021.

Six student comedians featured in upcoming Theatre Department comedy show

Tatiana Plowman, Arts Reporter March 31, 2021

Watching comedians like Kate McKinnon, John Mulaney and Carol Burnett inspired theater arts senior Olivia Williams to enroll in a stand-up comedy practicum with Theatre Department Lecturer Megan Gogerty...

Photo illustration by Grace Smith.

UI Theatre Department’s ‘Borderless’ presents audio experience that uplifts LGBTQ+ history

Maddie Johnston, Arts Reporter March 31, 2021

As long as film, television, and theater have prevailed, queer voices have been repressed. When queerness is present in these media, the uniting force between gay characters has historically been suffering,...

The official lighting of the new marquee and sign on Friday, Dec.18, 2020. (Jeff Sigmund/Daily Iowan)

Mission Creek Festival virtually returns with ‘Duos’

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Editor March 26, 2021

After what seems like a long intermission, Mission Creek Festival is set to virtually return to audiences from April 29-30 in a new form, titled Duos.   The two-day online event will pair up writers...

Ben Bridwell sings on Friday, August 3rd, 2018. He is the lead singer of Band of Horses, a popular rock band. This is Hinterlands fourth year in existence.

Hinterland Music Festival sells out of first-round passes in 10 minutes

Maddie Johnston, Arts Reporter March 25, 2021

Hinterland Music Festival announced its lineup for its three-day outdoor festival last week, which will be held from Aug. 6 to Aug. 8. With several big-name headliners like the Avett Brothers, Leon...

Screenshot of Zoom rehearsal for "Skeleton Closet" of Courtney Graham (left) and Kyle Braeske (right).

UI Theatre Department’s ‘Skeleton Closet’ grapples with grief and identity

Tatiana Plowman, Arts Reporter March 4, 2021

As a trans individual, playwright Matthew Neal noticed the lack of trans stories in mainstream media. This observation led the third-year theatre arts major to write his play, “Skeleton Closet,”...

Jordan Sellergren, mother, songwriter, and artist performed online at the Englert Theatre Wednesday night.

Jordan Sellergren performs as part of Englert’s ‘Stages’ program

Megan Conroy, Arts Reporter March 4, 2021

In the streaming glow of blue and red lights, singer-songwriter Jordan Sellergren and guitarist Randall Davis opened their 30-minute pre-recorded show with the song, “My Ego is An Eagle” on Englert’s...

The Voxman Music Building is seen on Monday, Feb. 23, 2021.

School of Music to respond to social injustice with creative performance

Parker Jones, Arts Reporter February 25, 2021

Tonight, the School of Music will bring a unique and creative look at how American society handles situations of racial injustice and inequality through an all-virtual performance. Titled “Face...

University of Iowa freshman, Lily Woodard, poses for a portrait in a Daum Residence Hall lounge on Thursday, Feb. 25. She had to perform for the 10-Minute Play Festival alone in the lounge over Zoom because of COVID and provide her own costume. Woodard said, “The show must go on.”

The Ten-Minute Play festival to bring out underutilized talents in its participants

Jenna Post, Arts Reporter February 25, 2021

Undergraduate playwrights and actors have had the opportunity to showcase their talents through the University of Iowa Theatre Department’s Ten-Minute Play Festival for 24 years. Like most theater...

From left to right, Sidekick Coffee manager Katy Herbold, The Haunted Bookshop manager Nialle Sylvan and her husband Joshua Langseth, and Prairie Lights manager Jan Weissmiller pose for a portrait. Contributed. (Sidekick Coffee photo by Rebecca Sanabria)

One Book Two Book Festival celebrates youth reading and writing in virtual format

Abby McCusker, Arts Reporter February 24, 2021

This weekend the One Book Two Book Festival, coordinated by the Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature organization, will celebrate its 10th anniversary of championing the reading and writing of children...

Photo of Graduate student; Juliet Remmers in “Dream Memory of the Future”, a film project directed by Associate Professor; Jennifer Kayle and co-created with graduate students in dance; Emmalee Hallinan, Mariko Ishikawa, Michael Landez and Juliet Remmers. This film features poetry by Wana Udobang. Contributed.

Eyes Closed Eyes Open to bring International Writing Program and Department of Dance together

Abby McCusker, Arts Reporter February 24, 2021

The International Writing Program and the University of Iowa Department of Dance collaborate annually on a visual presentation and this year is no exception. The Eyes Closed Eyes Open event is a performance...

Photo of Robert Kemp and Jessica Murillo who star in "First Date: A Musical Comedy." Contributed.

City Circle to virtually present musical comedy ‘First Date’ for first show of the year

Tatiana Plowman, Arts Reporter February 21, 2021

Bringing the love right into Coralville and Iowa City homes, City Circle Theatre Company will present “First Date: A Musical Comedy” from Feb. 26 to 28. First Date premiered on Broadway on Aug....

A shot of Elray's Live and Dive neon sign taken from the roof of said establishment in Iowa City on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2020.

Kevin Burt gives soulful blues performance at Elray’s Live and Dive

Maddie Johnston, Arts Reporter February 13, 2021

On Friday night at Elray’s Live and Dive, Kevin Burt took to the stage to play a collection of covers and original blues songs. Though the temperature outside had dipped into the negatives, Elray’s...