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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

Attendees look at student work during an exhibit of ink art at the Stanley Museum of Art on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. Students in Brushwork in Chinese Art, a class taught by Assistant Professor Amy Huang, led presentations and showcased their work from the semester.

Brushwork: Ink Art exhibit draws in viewers with cultural richness

Isabelle Lubguban, Arts Reporter December 12, 2024

Chinese history paints its way into the Stanley Museum with a fresh, new exhibit honoring the different forms of one of the oldest living art mediums, the calligraphy brush. “Brushwork describes...

Kendrick Lamar accepts the award for best rap album for “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers during the 65th Annual Grammy Awards at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023.

Review | Kendrick Lamar’s ‘GNX’ is a masterful victory lap album

Charlie Hickman, Arts Editor December 11, 2024

Kendrick Lamar has had one of the most entertaining years in music I’ve lived through. Following his feud with Drake was a blast, but now that we’re five months past the end of the surprise diss...

Photo by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade

Review | Dear DI reader, Hancher’s ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ is a good show and here’s why

Riley Dunn, Digital Editor December 10, 2024

No one deserves to be forgotten. That is the message “Dear Evan Hansen” presents to its audience through the stories of the titular Evan and the people he interacts with.  Even on a stage flooded...

Cozy up with these five festive Christmas books

Cozy up with these five festive Christmas books

Kyrsten White, Arts Reporter December 10, 2024

With the winter winds picking up and the holidays in view, the season can become busy and stressful. When looking for a good distraction, a nice book can help to pass the time and relax. Whether you...

A Gingerbread Caramel Latte sits on the counter of Java House in Iowa City on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. Coffeeshops across Iowa City have been offering holiday drinks for the winter season.

Four festive local beverages to get you in the holiday spirit

Hannah Childers, Arts Reporter December 10, 2024

With the holidays and finals approaching, here are four festive and caffeinated drinks, as well as some additional recommendations from baristas, to keep you energized this winter season. Java House:...

Photo contributed by Eli Campbell

Review | Eli Campbell captures reality with ‘Myocardium: Graphite’

Laurel Preston, Arts Reporter December 9, 2024

With a sudden jolt, the lights in The Artifactory’s basement swiftly died and a thumping began. Myocardium is another word for the heart muscle, and “Myocardium: Graphite” is the title of playwright...

Allison Meyer acts while the cast creates sound effects onstage during a performance of It’s A Wonderful Life: A Radioplay at Riverside Theatre in Iowa City on Friday, Nov. 22, 2024. The show will run from Nov. 29 to Dec. 15.

Review | Riverside Theater puts its spin on a holiday classic

Emma Isenhart and Kayla Person December 8, 2024

I shuffled in with the crowd, eager to find my seat. Everyone chattered quietly as we waited for the production to start. The stage was set with a piano, a few microphones, and a large table with miscellaneous...

Review | ‘The Piano Lesson’ deftly adapts Pulitzer Prize-winning play

Review | ‘The Piano Lesson’ deftly adapts Pulitzer Prize-winning play

Isabelle Lubguban, Arts Reporter December 3, 2024

Family heirlooms give way to dark secrets in Netflix’s new release, “The Piano Lesson.”  The film was originally released during the 51st Telluride Film Festival on August 31 before coming...

Mar 10, 2024; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande present the award for best original score during the 96th Oscars at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 10, 2024.

Review | “Wicked” stuns with emotional storytelling

Riley Dunn, Digital Editor December 3, 2024

From the spectacular vocals of Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba and Ariana Grande’s Glinda to the spellbinding visuals that make up The Land of Oz, “Wicked” awed me from the very beginning.  Directed...

When is it appropriate to listen to Christmas music?

When is it appropriate to listen to Christmas music?

Flynn Milligan, Arts Reporter December 3, 2024

The last three months of the year are, for most, the busiest of the year. Between Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, the mood can be both stressful and joyful.  One of the biggest debates...

Shawn Mendes performs at Moody Amphitheater during South by Southwest on Saturday, March 19, 2022.

Review | Shawn Mendes is making a return to music with his fifth studio album ‘Shawn’

Kayla Person, Arts Reporter December 3, 2024

“This album is about letting go of, and remembering who I am,” Shawn Mendes wrote in an Instagram post shared on Nov. 15. “It’s been my own personal medicine. I hope you love it.”  A...

Review | ‘Gladiator II’ continues a classic story with stellar performances

Review | ‘Gladiator II’ continues a classic story with stellar performances

Emma Isenhart, Arts Reporter December 2, 2024

After 24 years since the original premiered, die-hard “Gladiator” fans had lost hope a sequel would ever come to fruition.  Thankfully, director Ridley Scott had other plans.  Set many...