Category Archives: A&E

A&E, Alyssa Book

Classic tale brings modern enthusiasm

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By Alyssa Book

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte is a novel that stands the test of time. First published in London in 1847, Jane Eyre is still printed and read world wide. This classic was written before its time and addresses issues about gender relations, marriage, and independence.

I was presented with a choice concerning a novel to read for my English class, and old classical books did not sound too appealing at first. When I came across the description of this book, the talks of insane women and a protagonist overcoming adversity was enough for me to pick it up and start reading.

The plot centers on a young girl who was raised as an orphan. Jane is described as an opinionated and unapologetic character. These traits were very uncommon in London during her time period, but it brings a comical and inspirational side to the complicated story of a girl finding herself in a society that seems to reject her.When she becomes a governess, she falls in love with a man whose secrets lie deep within the mansion of Thornfield Estate.

Not only does the book relvole around two characters of different social classes falling in love, it also talks about the rules of society in a strict time period.

The novel created one of the most famous heroines, Jane Eyre, and brings up issues concerning women and independence. These topics still fascinate generations spanning the 1800s because they are still found prominent in forms of society.

I never thought a classic novel written in the 1800s could be so relatable and suspenseful to a girl living in the 21st century. The themes of love and passion and independence keep this classic novel fresh and innovative for all ages.

This book was a great read and I would recommend it to girls of all ages. It is inspiring and is a classic love story. The one problem I had with the book was some of the Victorian language used. It was sometimes very difficult to understand, but it was nothing a little Google or Sparknotes could not fix.

This novel was also recently adapted into film this year. I am excited to rent the movie and see my favorite characters come to life in front of my eyes.

Check in next week for my review of the Jane Eyre movie.

A&E, Weekly Playlist

Weekly Playlists: Duets

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By: Marah Harbison, Nathan Hemminger, Alyssa Book, and Danielle Rehor

Many of the best songs of now and today are collaborations of great artists. Check out just a few of our favorites.

1. “I Guess Thats Why They Call It the Blues” By Elton John and Mary J. Blige

2. “You and I” by Ben Gibbard and Ingrid Michaelson

3. “I Got You Babe” by Sonny and Cher

4. “Train Song” by Ben Gibbard and Feist

5. “Whiskey Lullaby” by Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss

6. “You Don’t Know Me” by Ben Folds and Regina Spektor

7. “Big Yellow Taxi” Counting Crows and Vanessa Carlton

A&E

Otaku Club gathers various local teens

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By Lauren Holstner

The New Albany/Floyd County Public Library hosted an Otaku (Japanese culture) club on Oct. 20.  From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. the library’s main meeting room was full of teens of all ages.  Some were cos-playing (dressing up as characters from animes or manga) as they were invited to, while others came simply as themselves.

Over 30 local teens from sixth grade and up appeared to make new friends and discuss anime, manga, and other Japanese entertainment forms.

Over the course of two hours people showed off their costumes, played anime trivia, and gathered in groups to talk.

Next month on Nov. 30, the club will meet again from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the bottom floor of the library.

Next month readers can also bring their favorite manga with them.  Many readers who love Japanese anime but do not know anything about manga could learn a lot.

“My favorite part is hanging out with people, making friends, and playing games,” said New Albany High School student Zelda Early.

Teens from NAHS and FC get together and make friends.  If readers are looking for a place to discuss all things Japanese then they can go to the Otaku Club, where all anime dreams can be voiced and no one is left out.

A&E, Eli Bolus

‘Fools’ introduces upcoming talent

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By Eli Bolus

Photo by Katelyn Rowe.

“Neil Simon must have been plowed when he wrote ‘Fools.’ ”

These are the words theatre director Chris Bundy left the audience with before the FC Studio One production of “Fools” began on opening night.

“Fools” is a play of minimal scenery that Bundy’s acting classes performed.  It was put on by the Advanced Acting II class with two casts and was made up mostly by sophomores, and I was only able to see the first cast.  With Bundy retiring at the end of the year and leaving his long line of excellence, the sophomores really represent the future of FC’s theater program, and after seeing “Fools” I could not be happier.

“Fools” itself was not performed on the main stage.  Instead, it was put on in the Studio One room for a much smaller crowd than other plays. But even while on a smaller stage, it still provided worthwhile entertainment for kids and parents alike.

“Fools” takes place in the quaint Ukrainian town of Kulyenchikov,  a town plagued by a 200-year-old curse that leaves all residents of the town as fools.  It follows the protagonist, Leon Tolchinsky, a young school teacher eager to teach.  He is the town’s only hope to bring intelligence back to the village.

Tolchinksy was played by sophomore Clay Gulley in both casts, and quite simply, Gulley made the show.  No one in the show performed poorly, but Gulley performed exceptionally well. He so snugly fit himself in his role that you almost forgot you were watching a play. He could be funny and foolish when the script demanded but could draw it back and be serious with strong dramatic monologues.  Gulley is part of the future of the FC theater program, and that is a good thing.

Having said that, some aspects of the show could have used work.  The Russian accents left something to be desired at times, and the script itself wasn’t Neil Simon’s best, as the Three Stooges style of comedy grew stale after a while and it made clear why it was only on Broadway for a month.  However, the the humor displayed throughout left the audience laughing within the first five minutes of the show and throughout the play.

“Fools” offered a look into the future of FC theater, and after seeing it my previous fear of FC’s theater program declining was estinguished. The future of FC theater is a bright one that will continue the line of greatness Bundy has established.