St. Olafs presentation of Nickel and Dimed Joan Holdens stage adaptation of Barbara Ehrenreichs book Nickel and Dimed: On (not) Getting By in America capably showcased some of the hardships faced by blue-collar America in the workplace.
Unfortunately the production, constrained by Holdens unsteady adaptation, too often downplayed the serious message of mistreated, hardworking and underpaid workers by emphasizing the comic moments in Holdens script.
An adventurous Feb. 18 program in Urness Recital Hall introduced St. Olaf to the creative output of Justin Merritt, the colleges new assistant professor of music theory and composition. Nearly 40 students and faculty members combined their talents to present a varied recital of Merritts recent chamber instrumental and vocal works.
L. Teresa Church, poet and quilt-maker, opened her exhibit, appropriately titled Quilts & Poetry Friday, Feb. 18 in Dittmann Art Center. Churchs poetry was displayed on pillars, and her collection of homemade quilts were hung and draped over tables as Dittmann was transformed into a space conducive to what Church called an event of word gifts.
