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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
Madison Lotenschtein

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Editor

(she/her/hers)

Email: [email protected]

Madison Lotenschtein is an Arts Co-Editor at The Daily Iowan. Having been with the DI since her freshman year, Madison has covered the arts and culture scene in Iowa City, writing feature stories on sub-cultures, visual art, local artists, literature, and theater. She is a senior at the University of Iowa studying journalism and anthropology.

All content by Madison Lotenschtein
Photo by Katie Goodale

Senior Column | Finding purpose through the arts

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Editor
May 11, 2021
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
University of Iowa Student Government office front as seen on Jan. 26.

Opinion | USG voted no on Jewish Constituency Senator, but we need one now more than ever

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Editor
March 24, 2021
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
Anya Taylor-Joy stars in 'The Queen's 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
“The President’s Own” United States Marine Band performs at the inauguration of President Joe Biden on Jan. 20, 2021.

Two University of Iowa School of Music alumni play at Biden’s inauguration

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Editor
January 26, 2021
Cover art for “Gilded in Ash," created by Haley Triem. Contributed.

UI students rewrite The Great Gatsby through 21st century genre: fanfiction

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Editor
December 14, 2020
Poet and Member of the Muscogee Creek Nation Joy Harjo speaks during a virtual Chat from the Old Cap event on Wednesday, November 11, 2020. An alumna of the Iowa Writer's Workshop, Harjo is the first native American to serve as the Poet Laureate Consultant for Poetry for the United States.

United States Poet Laureate Joy Harjo speaks on poetry, time at Iowa

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Editor
November 11, 2020
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
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
The English-Philosophy Building is seen on Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2020.

UI Nonfiction Writing Program sees changes going into fall semester

Madison Lotenschtein and Josie Fischels
August 26, 2020
Benjamin Gilbertson, a BFA student studying Ceramics, poses in front of the Visual Arts Building on August 25, 2020.

Student Spotlight: UI artist creates ceramic pieces through experiential techniques

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Editor
August 26, 2020
Piper Sage carries off an armful of Rick Riordan books with her mom, Charla Sterne. The author, left, signed his new book the "Serpent's Shadow," the final book in the Kane Chronicles series, at Barnes and Noble bookstore in Anchorage, Alaska, on Saturday, May 5, 2012. Riordan is the author of Percy Jackson, Kane Chronicles and Heroes of Olympus books for young readers as well as the award-winning adult Tres Navarre mystery series.

Opinion | Novels need female characters with more flaws and diverse personalities

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Editor
August 23, 2020
Student made paintings are shown inside the EPB on Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2015. Students from the art department moved these paintings to the EPB in attempt to make the building less bland.

Nonfiction Writing Program names new interim director

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Editor
August 14, 2020
Contributed

Two months after original performance date, Shakespeare in the Park goes virtual

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Editor
August 5, 2020
The location on Linn Street where Fillmscene will host FilmStreet Outdoor Cinema, a socially-distanced film series begining on Friday, July 31. Contributed.

FilmScene to host outdoor film series coming to Northside

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Editor
July 30, 2020
Former employees of Old Creamery Theatre pose near an outdoor stage for a portrait. Contributed.

Board of Trustees, staff dispute Old Creamery terminations

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Editor
July 21, 2020
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)

Bookstores feel impact as the COVID-19 plot thickens

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Editor
July 15, 2020
Illustration by Katina Zentz

Review | G-Eazy’s ‘Everything’s Strange Here’ disappoints

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Editor
July 13, 2020
Hancher Auditorium in Iowa City on Thursday, Nov. 2, 2017.

Hancher to adopt self-sustaining model following fund reduction from UI

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Editor
July 10, 2020
The Witness Wall is seen in front of Public Space One in Iowa City on Monday, July 6, 2020. The Witness Wall is a decorative plywood wall that serves as a response to COVID-19 and recent events.

Witness Wall provides space for reflection during times of conflict

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Editor
July 8, 2020
Emergenc by Cara Briggs Farmer located in the Community Orchard section of Creekside park, 1858 7th ave court.As seen on Wednesday July 1,2020 (Jeff Sigmund/Photojournalist)

New public art installation introduced in Creekside Park

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Editor
July 1, 2020
Contributed

Summer Partnership in the Arts to give unique virtual performance

Madison Lotenschtein and Peter Anders
June 25, 2020
Kristine Djerf howls with her children, Sylvia and Oscar, on Tuesday, June 16, 2020 at their home in the Northside in Iowa City. Every night at 8 residents in the neighborhood stand outside and howl together for a few minutes to raise morale.

Howling: A way of showing solidarity in Iowa City’s Northside

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Editor
June 22, 2020
The Mill is seen on June 25, 2018.

The Mill’s future uncertain as current owners step down

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Editor
June 18, 2020
Artist Nick Meister paints a portion of a new mural on Saturday on Cross Park Ave. After several community painting days, Meister said he was excited to get his hands on the wall and do some painting himself. Although the artist debated community painting days at first, he said they ended up being a great way to bring everyone together.

Artists, residents create new Iowa City mural aimed at changing a community’s narrative

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Editor
June 16, 2020
Hancher Auditorium is seen on Thursday Jan. 25, 2018.

Hancher receives $50,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Editor
June 10, 2020
Contributed/Susan Chrysler

Accomplished artist and painting and drawing program head Susan Chrysler White retires

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Editor
May 13, 2020
Contributed

International Writing Program encounters change as pandemic carries on

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Editor
May 5, 2020
Contributed

COVID-19 pandemic forces UI pianists to adjust to new dynamic

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Editor
April 21, 2020
Jacob Lee's installation "But This Wasn't The War I Dreamed," 3/12/2020, University of Iowa School of Art and Art History, Iowa City.

UI M.F.A. art students find new ways to present theses amid COVID-19 closures

Madison Lotenschtein and Josie Fischels
April 21, 2020
Student Spotlight: UI artist creates music and paintings from themes of liberation of the self

Student Spotlight: UI artist creates music and paintings from themes of liberation of the self

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Editor
April 19, 2020
The marquee outside of the Englert theatre is shown with Mandolin Orange headlining on Tuesday, January 28, 2020.

New Mission Creek dates and Refocus Film Festival to share September weekend

Josie Fischels and Madison Lotenschtein
April 4, 2020
UI senior Sabrina Claman poses for a portrait in the Visual Arts Building on Friday, March 13, 2020.

Art student tells visual stories through comics

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Editor
March 29, 2020
Fans react to Closet Witch during their at Gabe's during Mission Creek's Underground Showcase on Saturday, April 7, 2018.

Mission Creek Festival canceled, dates for new event to be announced next week

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Reporter
March 12, 2020
David Petersen poses for a portrait at the Visual Arts Building on Sunday, March 6, 2020. Peterson is working toward his Master of Fine Arts in painting.

Student Spotlight: UI painter embeds queerness into Catholic spaces through artwork

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Editor
March 11, 2020
Outside MacBride Hall, one of the main sights of the Archive Crawl to be hosted Saturday Feb 24, 2018. The UI Main Library, The Natural History Museum in Macbride, the State Historical Society of Iowa and others will be celebrating local history through a day of tours, demonstrations, and lectures.

Opinion: Studying anthropology helps combat racism

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Editor
February 18, 2020
University of Iowa BFA student Casey Mathews poses for a portrait on Friday, Jan. 24, 2020, inside of his studio space located in the Visual Arts building. Mathews is a printmaker and began studying art after taking a general education art class.

Student Spotlight: Printmaker dives into themes of power, idolization

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Editor
January 29, 2020
Jessica Link offers Cutis M. Jackson some of her peach cobbler during a dress rehearsal of The Agitators at Riverside Theater on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020. The Agitators will show at Riverside from Jan. 24 - Feb. 16.

Play comes to Iowa City theater to share tale of activists’ split in fight for equal rights

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Editor
January 23, 2020
Florence Pugh, Saoirse Ronan and Emma Watson in Greta Gerwig's "Little Women." (Wilson Webb/Sony Pictures/TNS)

Binge Break: DI women on Little Women

Kayli Reese and Madison Lotenschtein
January 20, 2020
“Star Wars: The Last Jedi” begins where “The Force Awakens” left off, with Rey (Daisy Ridley) having tracked down Luke Skywalker. [Walt Disney Pictures]

The power of the force: The end of the Star Wars saga is nearly here

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Reporter
December 11, 2019
University of Iowa student Salman Yakub poses for a portrait in the Visual Arts Building on Dec. 8, 2019. Yakub is an artist, musician, and writer.

A musician and painter, UI student is inspired by ‘things that become hazy with time’

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Reporter
December 11, 2019
Olivia Colman takes over as Queen Elizabeth II for the third season of The Crown. [Des Willie/Netflix]

The Crown’s new season gives an excellent performance for audiences who love/hate the royal family

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Reporter
December 9, 2019
The Old Capitol building is seen in 2018.

Opinion: Gen-ed classes need to be more accessible at the University of Iowa

Madison Lotenschtein, Contributor
December 5, 2019
Senior Reanna Lewis paints in City Park on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019. Lewis is a painter, rapper, poet, and dancer. Lewis said that painting outside helps her to connect to her spirituality. (Katie Goodale/The Daily Iowan).

Student Spotlight: An artist of many mediums; from painting to dancing, songwriting, and poetry, UI student has it all

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Reporter
December 4, 2019
University of Iowa B.F.A. student Hannah Song poses for a portrait in her studio space inside the Visual Arts Building on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2019. Song became interested in ceramics after taking classes during her first year at the UI.

Everyday items made beautiful: UI student creates ceramic art through intricate designs

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Reporter
November 20, 2019
The University of Iowa Theatre department rehearses a production of Bonnets: (How Ladies of Good Breeding Are Induced to Murder) in the Alan MacVey Theatre on Wednesday, November 13, 2019. In the scene, the indentured servant, Webster violently lashes out against her mistress, Mrs. Wolcott, after enduring decades of verbal abuse.

UI alum’s play dives into themes of assigned roles and murder in a period piece with a punk twist

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Reporter
November 13, 2019
Female writers make their marks at the Writing University through the decades

Female writers make their marks at the Writing University through the decades

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Reporter
November 6, 2019
The artwork of university of Iowa student, Adrianna Elgatian poses is seen in the Visual Arts Building in Iowa City on Monday, October 28, 2019. Adrianna is a painter/printmaker who works under the pseudonym, Blacksheep. (Tate Hildyard/The Daily Iowan.)

Student Spotlight: UI student uses graphic design, drawing to showcase women

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Reporter
October 30, 2019
Megan Gogerty rehearses scenes from “Feast” during photo call at Riverside Theater on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019. “Feast” is a one-woman show and is interactive with the audience.

Dinner party takes a turn in Feast, an Iowa City playwright’s solo show

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Reporter
October 23, 2019
Julie Fiscella poses for a portrait with her piece entitled “Breathe” on Tuesday, October 8 in the Installation Lab of the Visual Arts Building. (Megan Conroy/The Daily Iowan)

Student Spotlight: UI graduate student creates meditation spaces through reclaimed objects

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Reporter
October 9, 2019
William and The Wildflowers perform at the Yacht Club downtown on Tuesday, October 1, 2019.

From the Appalachian Mountains to the Midwest: William and the Wildflowers performs at Yacht Club

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Reporter
October 2, 2019
Madison Lotenschtein poses for a portrait in the Adler Journalism Building on Wednesday.

Tracing the origins and present-day resurgence of anti-Semitism

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Reporter
September 26, 2019
The cover of The Beatles' "Abbey Road" album.

Abbey Road debuted on this day in 1969: how has it continued to impact musicians and pop culture?

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Reporter
September 25, 2019
Illustration by Haley Triem

Opinion: Political polarization hurts relationships, not just governments

Madison Lotenschtein, Contributor
September 10, 2019
Readings, readers, and writers: A brief history of Prairie Lights

Readings, readers, and writers: A brief history of Prairie Lights

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Reporter
September 10, 2019
UI student creates prints and embroideries inspired by traditional practices and contemporary ideas

UI student creates prints and embroideries inspired by traditional practices and contemporary ideas

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Reporter
September 4, 2019
Contributed

Local Iowa cover band to play on Vue Rooftop

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Reporter
August 28, 2019
Opinion: How should we handle antiquated art?

Opinion: How should we handle antiquated art?

Madison Lotenschtein, Contributor
August 28, 2019
Photo Illustration by James Year

Lotenschtein: Dispatches from Tel Aviv: No vaccination against ignorance of anti-vaxxers

Madison Lotenschtein, Opinions Columnist
July 16, 2019
Lotenschtein: Dispatches from Tel Aviv: Dancing with Batsheva, not on a battlefield

Lotenschtein: Dispatches from Tel Aviv: Dancing with Batsheva, not on a battlefield

Madison Lotenschtein, Columnist
July 7, 2019
Lotenschtein: Dispatches from Tel Aviv: Balancing business and Shabbat on the international market

Lotenschtein: Dispatches from Tel Aviv: Balancing business and Shabbat on the international market

Madison Lotenschtein, Columnist
July 1, 2019
The Gush Etzion area of the West Bank is seen on June 19.

Lotenschtein: Dispatches from Tel Aviv: Reviewing history and prospective peace in the West Bank

Madison Lotenschtein, Columnist
June 25, 2019
Spin scooters sit parked at the intersection of High and Gay streets in downtown Columbus. (Adam Cairns/Dispatch/TNS)

Lotenschtein: Dispatches from Tel Aviv: E-scooters dominate the metropolitan area, colliding with cars and pedestrians

Madison Lotenschtein, Columnist
June 16, 2019
A rooftop view of eastern Tel Aviv, Israel, is seen on Thursday. (Madison Lotenschtein/The Daily Iowan)

Lotenschtein: Dispatches from Tel Aviv: Beginning with generosity and chaos

Madison Lotenschtein, Columnist
June 9, 2019
Shots fired by Iowa City police during early morning burglary investigation

Shots fired by Iowa City police during early morning burglary investigation

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Reporter
May 9, 2019
Prairie Lights bookstore on Monday, Nov. 13, 2017.

UI alum to read from first novel, “Lucy, go see”

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Reporter
May 9, 2019
In a dialogue with art, UI graduate student gives her perspective on woodworking

In a dialogue with art, UI graduate student gives her perspective on woodworking

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Reporter
May 8, 2019
University of Iowa ceramics graduate student Donté K. Hayes poses for a portrait in his studio on Wednesday, April 24, 2019. During the event, students presented projects that combined art and engineering.

Benin heads, pineapples, Daleks: the art of Donté Hayes

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Reporter
April 24, 2019
Contributed

The art of Odissi dancing comes to Englert 

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Reporter
April 24, 2019
Prairie Lights bookstore on Monday, Nov. 13, 2017.

Pico Iyer will read from his latest, “Autumn Light,” at Prairie Lights

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Reporter
April 17, 2019
Cast perform the wedding scene during a rehearsal for the “Little Women” opera at the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts on Tuesday, April 9, 2019. The opera has showings throughout the weekend of April 12 for audiences to attend.

From the pages of a 19th-century novel to the stage: Little Women, an Opera

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Reporter
April 10, 2019
'Whipped Cream' swirls into Hancher with classical ballet made for adults and children

‘Whipped Cream’ swirls into Hancher with classical ballet made for adults and children

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Reporter
April 3, 2019
A new page on sustainable development, the Green Revolution, and globalization 

A new page on sustainable development, the Green Revolution, and globalization 

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Reporter
March 27, 2019
Contributed

Newgrass artist to tell his story through traditional bluegrass instruments

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Reporter
March 13, 2019
Mary Jane Claassen and John Muriello perform in The University of Iowa Theater Department's production of "Sunday in the Park With George" on Monday, March 4th, 2019. (Tate Hildyard/ The Daily Iowan).

A musical painted across time: Sunday in the Park with George

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Reporter
March 6, 2019
The backstage of E.C. Mabie Theatre is seen during an A Midsummer Night's Dream dress rehearsal in the E.C. Mabie theatre in the Theatre Building on Monday, April 16, 2018.

UI play explores a man’s (or woman’s) best friend

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Reporter
February 27, 2019
Elly Hofmaier plays her guitar at The Mill-Iowa City on Wednesday, February 27, 2019.

Marketing and music; a UI senior makes strides in Iowa City’s local music scene

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Reporter
February 27, 2019
From Iowa City stages to LA life and back again

From Iowa City stages to LA life and back again

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Reporter
February 20, 2019
Contributed

Lotenschtein: Hawaii: Your misconceptions of the 50th state

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Reporter
February 18, 2019
The jewelry maker who has traveled the world

The jewelry maker who has traveled the world

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Reporter
February 13, 2019
Capturing sentiment through the lens of a camera

Capturing sentiment through the lens of a camera

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Reporter
February 6, 2019
The cast and crew for All the Yellows stage a dress rehearsal on Monday, January 21, 2019. All the Yellows is an original theater piece written, directed, produced, and performed, by current University of Iowa students. (Tate Hildyard/ The Daily Iowan)

Theater B turns into a graveyard, friendship dangles

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Reporter
January 23, 2019
Alexis Beucler poses for a portrait in her office in the Visual Arts Building in Iowa City on December 12, 2018.

Bringing bright color to a dreary Iowa winter through art

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Reporter
December 12, 2018
Longest running Broadway musical lights up Hancher

Longest running Broadway musical lights up Hancher

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Reporter
December 5, 2018
The art and heart behind graphic design

The art and heart behind graphic design

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Reporter
December 5, 2018
Les Misérables visits Iowa City once again, ready to perform for a new generation

Les Misérables visits Iowa City once again, ready to perform for a new generation

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Reporter
December 2, 2018
Actors interact and set a table during "Why is This Night Different?" at the Theater Building on Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018. The play centers on family drama on Passover.

A UI play walks through Passover dinner with a family full of surprises and secrets

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Reporter
November 28, 2018

Iowa City police investigate shooting on Wayne Avenue

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Reporter
November 27, 2018
Rocky Horror Picture Show virgin sees all

Rocky Horror Picture Show virgin sees all

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Reporter
October 31, 2018
Storm Large brings message of love, music to Hancher

Storm Large brings message of love, music to Hancher

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Reporter
October 19, 2018
University of Iowa students Inigo O'Brien and Isaac Connor perform on stage in Theatre B at the Theater Building on Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2018. The play HIR will be performed on multiple occasions beginning Thursday, Oct. 11 to Sunday, Oct. 14, 2018.

A play revolving around the wobbly theme of change will be performed at UI

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Reporter
October 10, 2018
Contributed

UI student waves her artistic wand in all the art-world corners

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Reporter
October 3, 2018

Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey takes the UI stage

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Reporter
October 3, 2018
International Writing Program brings unique talent from around the globe

International Writing Program brings unique talent from around the globe

Naomi Hofferber and Madison Lotenschtein
September 26, 2018
Pictured here is me, in the north of Israel, enjoying the old city of Tzfat. Before this smiley photo was taken, a man approached me while playing his ukulele, asking for money (as the devil's lettuce is expensive in Israel).

From Iowa to Israel: The search for my Jewish identity

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Reporter
September 24, 2018
Group members of Battle Creek rehearse lines in the Theater Building on Tuesday, September 11, 2018. The plot of the play revolves around four women standing up to men who mistreated them. (Katina Zentz/The Daily Iowan)

Play written by a UI student molded from #MeToo, Gulabi Gang

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Reporter
September 12, 2018
File

Corridor Project to bring jams to Englert

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Reporter
September 5, 2018
Student Spotlight: Using film as form of protest

Student Spotlight: Using film as form of protest

Madison Lotenschtein, Arts Reporter
August 29, 2018
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