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

Cast members rehearse while curtains drape over the stage during a dress rehearsal of “Ascend,” in the Mabie Theatre at the Theatre Building on March 31, 2021. “Ascend”, directed by Margarita Blush and written/created by the cast and creative team, explores the growth of individuals, especially after the pandemic. There will be a virtual performance of “Ascend” on April 28, 2021.

UI Theatre Department closes season with original show, ‘Ascend’

Tatiana Plowman, Arts Reporter April 11, 2021

Before the curtains close for the University of Iowa Theatre Arts Department’s spring 2021 season, a unique show will take the stage — a completely student-written, original production called Ascend,...

Choral Conducting doctoral student Kreg Godfrey conducts the University Choir at the Voxman Music Building on March 25, 2021.

UI School of Music keeps live music-making possible with strict COVID-19 protocols

Abby McCusker, Arts Reporter March 29, 2021

One year ago, students within the University of Iowa School of Music performed concerts for live audiences. Now, they’re performing for cameras. After UI classes shifted online in March 2020,...

Actors Steven Willis, Branden Shaw and Kate Anderson perform in Before the Park on Thursday, March 10, 2021. Before the Park is set in the predominantly black community of Seneca Village as its citizens are being forced to flee so New York City can build Central Park over their land.

The people behind the production: Tech for UI’s mainstage share how theater has changed during the pandemic

Jenna Post, Arts Reporter March 16, 2021

In a normal year, a typical rehearsal at the University of Iowa Theatre Building consists of the director working up close with the actors, stage managers and crew members. All of them would move freely...

Photo Illustration by Raquele Decker.

Writers’ Workshop alum shares writing process and inspiration for bestselling novel, ‘Such a Fun Age’

Maddie Johnston, Arts Reporter March 2, 2021

Awkward situations, racist remarks, and class in America; these are all aspects of modern culture that author Kiley Reid wanted to explore when she began writing her 2019 debut novel, Such a Fun Age, a...

Co-hosts of The Flavorcast Jacob Ohrt (left) and Brillian Qi-Bell (right) pose with a pint of Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream. (Contributed)

UI alumni and student create Ben and Jerry’s-themed podcast

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Editor February 16, 2021

Elijah Jones and Jacob Ohrt could be described as Ben and Jerry’s fanatics. The University of Iowa alumni and best friends grew up discussing the latest flavors, packaging, and intertwined social-justice...

Anya Taylor-Joy stars in The Queens Gambit on Netflix. (Phil Bray/Netflix)

The Queen’s Gambit and onward: UI Writers’ Workshop alumni share adaptation experiences

Madison Lotenschtein and Josie Fischels February 2, 2021

It’s Oct. 23 and The Queen’s Gambit has just debuted on Netflix. A trailer glides across the head banner, rife with 1950s and 60s glamor while the story of Beth Harmon, an orphaned chess prodigy,...

Searching for Bigfoot in Iowa

Searching for Bigfoot in Iowa

Madeline Liegois, Arts Reporter December 8, 2020

It was a cool spring evening in Waterloo, Iowa, 2009 when brothers Seth and Jesse Alne ventured into a small patch of woods. Cameras and flashlights drawn, the pair walked side by side down a dirt...

A silent mic along with an empty chair sits on the stage at Gabe’s on Friday, Oct. 30, 2020. A stage that once was alive with music is now quiet due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Historical Iowa City music oasis grapples with pandemic-caused financial strains

Megan Conroy, Arts Reporter November 3, 2020

Whether the front of the building reads “The Pub Gabe’s and Walkers,” “Picador,” “Gabe’s Oasis,” or just “Gabe’s,” 330 E. Washington St. has been a haven for music lovers since...

The Villisca Ax Murder House is seen in Villisca, Iowa on Sept. 30, 2020. Villisca is the site of one of the oldest cold cases in Iowa in which eight people were murdered in their beds. The killer was never found, sparking many theories and interest in the case. The house, which was renovated and reopened as a museum to the public, is now the site of paranormal activity and attracts thousands of tourists every year. The date on the sign, June 10, 1912 is the morning the Moore’s and Stillinger children were found murdered.

A spooky endeavor: DI editors spend night at Villisca Ax Murder House

Madison Lotenschtein and Brooklyn Draisey October 20, 2020

Listening to the whispers of disembodied voices was not something I planned on falling asleep to. The voices, reminiscent of parseltongue from the Harry Potter book series, caused me to open my eyes...

Contributed.

Changing the tune: Iowa City bands transition to virtual music production

Megan Conroy, Arts Reporter October 6, 2020

On a bitter chill night in February, the warm air of Gabe’s invited attendees to take refuge inside its walls. Concertgoers meandered upstairs as a local band, the Megababes, played its set. Soon...

Hancher Auditorium is seen in Iowa City on Sunday, September 20th, 2020.

Hancher looks ahead while grappling with unknown

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Editor September 22, 2020

It’s a normal Friday evening at Hancher Auditorium, where University of Iowa marketing student Paris Sissel works as a house manager. The front-of-house staff arrives 45 minutes before the doors...

Photo illustration by Megan Conroy.

Skating through the summer: the return of roller skating during COVID-19

Megan Conroy, Arts Reporter September 8, 2020

Sunshine poured onto the pavement as Ellie Zupancic whirred past skateboarders on her slightly faded, white roller skates. She dropped into the graffiti-laden concrete bowl of the Iowa City Skatepark,...