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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

FilmScene Cinema is seen on Monday, Nov. 6, 2023.

Review | ‘Saltburn’ didn’t nail the pacing or focus required for a film of its nature

Caden Gantenbein, Arts Reporter December 6, 2023

“Saltburn” was Emerald Fennell’s sophomore film, following up her previous work, “Promising Young Woman,” with a tumultuous watch that didn’t feel entirely conclusive.  The film immediately...

Kenzie Trana, 4, plays with teddy bears at the Teddy Bear Room at the Hilton Garden Inn in Iowa City on Monday, Dec. 4, 2023. Room 1105 at the Hilton Garden Inn is filled with hundreds of teddy bears for the holiday season. The room is open to the public from Nov. 26 through Jan. 1 at no cost.

Iowa City’s Hilton Garden Inn welcomes the fun and festive Teddy Bear Room for the holiday season

Riley Dunn, Arts Reporter December 5, 2023

The Hilton Garden Inn is spreading holiday cheer this winter with a five-week event in which a room at the hotel will be filled with hundreds of teddy bears in different shapes, sizes, and styles....

Photo Illustration by Cody Blissett

Review | “May December” is a brilliantly performed highlight of 2023 cinema

Will Bower, Arts Reporter December 5, 2023

“May December,” the latest release from acclaimed director Todd Haynes, is a twisted, uncomfortable, and oddly funny tale of manipulation and morality. Starring Natalie Portman, Julianne Moore,...

The “Drawn Over: Reclaiming Our Histories” gallery is seen at the Stanley Museum of Art in Iowa City on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023. The gallery is a collection of Native American ledger art, a Plains Indian style established in the 19th century, through which, artists told stories and documented events and achievements. The collection was curated by Dr. Jacki Thompson Rand, a member of Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, associate vice chancellor for Native affairs, and associate professor at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. The gallery will be available for public viewing from Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023, through January 2024.

‘Drawn Over: Reclaiming Our Histories’ exhibit showcases Native American heritage, humanity

Caden Gantenbein, Arts Reporter December 5, 2023

The University of Iowa’s Stanley Museum of Art is proven to be dedicated to showcasing underrepresented or historically diminished voices within its curated exhibits. The “Drawn Over: Reclaiming...

Students dance during a musical theater dance class at Iowa Conservatory on Nov. 28, 2023. Iowa Conservatory opened for its inaugural year this year with classes including dance, visual arts, and singing.

Middle and high schoolers find success in new private arts school

Avi Lapchick, Arts Editor December 5, 2023

Before the Iowa Conservatory opened its doors in Iowa City for its first-ever day of school in August, the performing arts boarding school was built for a capacity of 325 eighth through 12th graders....

A mural designed by Miriam Alarcón Avila and Colectivo Luchart titled “Acocemalotic Tilmatli” is displayed at the South District Market in Pepperwood Plaza on Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023. The Nahuatl title translates to “Rainbow Blanket.”

Iowa City artist adorns Iowa City with color in new South of 6 Business District mural

Zhenya Loughney, Arts reporter December 3, 2023

Located in the Pepperwood Plaza, a new mural titled “Acocemalotic Tilmatli” infuses South of 6 Business District with vibrant colors and emphasizes representation in the area. The mural was designed...

Charlotte Brontë, played by Katie Gucik, opens a letter during a production of “Brontë: The World Without” at Riverside Theater in Iowa City on Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023.

Riverside produces play premiere

Riley Dunn, Arts Reporter December 3, 2023

As the lights dimmed and music started playing in Riverside Theatre in Iowa City on the opening night of “Brontë: The World Without,” audiences quickly realized this production would be something...

Photo contributed by Jake Hannon.

Local foodie dishes out critiques of Iowa City restaurants

Lily Czechowicz, Arts Reporter November 30, 2023

During her year of pharmacy residency in West Palm Beach, Fl., Meredith Lumberg experienced a diverse, Cuban-influenced food scene. Still, the Iowa-raised food blogger said the culinary scene in Iowa...

FilmScene at the Chauncey is seen in Iowa City on Monday, Nov. 6, 2023.

Review | Nicolas Cage leaves a lasting impression in ‘Dream Scenario’

Caden Gantenbein, Arts Reporter November 29, 2023

Based on the trailer alone, “Dream Scenario” was thought to be one of A24’s more divisive films of the year. However, the unique concept managed to win over its viewers. As the first big-screen...

Emma Bibb, Owen Brightman and Mary Lukas perform during a showing of Eli Campbell’s Pleasure Play directed by Meredith Alexander at The Artifactory on North Dubuque Street in Iowa City on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023.

Review | Eli Campbell’s ‘Pleasure Play’ tells captivating story of three complicated characters

Riley Dunn, Arts Reporter November 28, 2023

The past two weekends, the Iowa City community was given the chance to experience Eli Campbell’s newest work, “Pleasure Play,” which follows the lives of Meave and Gracie, a couple trying to...

Milly, Lily, and Remi show their friendship bracelets during the parTay event at Big Grove Brewery on Monday, Nov. 13, 2023. The event was put on to support 29 local partner agencies of United Way of Johnson and Washington Counties. (Isabella Tisdale/ The Daily Iowan)

Taylor Swift’s social and economic impact felt in Iowa City

Stella Shipman, Arts Editor November 28, 2023

University of Iowa third-year Tori Ghyzel became a die-hard Taylor Swift fan following her first listen to the singer’s 2010 album “Speak Now.” She even got her older sister in on the fandom,...

Iowa City band Two Canes performs at The Daily Iowan Headliners in The Daily Iowan newsroom on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023.

Q&A | Two Canes

Avi Lapchick, Arts Editor November 28, 2023

Two Canes is an Iowa City-born punk rock band consisting of lead singer Myles Evangelista, guitarists Evan Weidl and Edwin Svoboda, drummer Chloe Weidl, and bassist Jack Moore. This interview has...