Newsfeed
Printer-Friendly ModePerformers entertain at annual Intercultural Night
April 17, 2006 —
A culturally rich range of drama, dance, fashion, and music filled the Malcolm Field Theatre for Performing Arts Thursday night for SVSU's fifth annual Intercultural Night event.
There was not an empty seat in the theatre as the countries of Nepal, Pakistan, India, China, Malaysia, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia, Kenya, Japan, Martinique, Cyprus, Hungary, Korea, and Columbia were celebrated by over 70 performers from the International Student Club.
The show commenced with the performers of every country carrying large flags from their represented countries down the aisles. They were all wearing brightly colored and mostly traditional costumes, and ended up standing on stage to show the vast array of participants involved.
First up was a rhythmic dance to the Changba, a song native to the Tamang tribe in Nepal. The plot of the song is that a young man is attempting to convince a young woman to go on a date with him.
"It's a song from my village," said performer Pravisti Shrestha. "We thought it would be a good way to open up the program."
Shrestha, a first-year student, took part in IC Night for one very specific reason.
"I think this is really the only chance to show where we are from," Shrestha said. "Plus, we get to see other cultures too."
Next up was a comical and patriotic tribute to Pakistan titled "Tom, Dick, and Harry."
Tom, Dick, and Harry were three "vagabonds" who spent their days lazing around or busting out boy-band dance moves until they decided to join the police force for the sole reason of earning some extra cash.
However, they eventually took their duties seriously and died in the line of duty in defense of their country's principles.
The performance was dedicated "to all those who have given up their lives to their country."
Prior to intermission, two Saudi Arabian performers read from the Koran. Mosad Alkathami read in the native Muslim tongue, and Abdulah Wafa translated.
The reading was followed by the national anthem of Saudi Arabia, for which every audience member stood.
"Everything's going awesomely," student director Chad Helmer excitedly announced backstage during intermission.
Throughout the entire evening, a large completed puzzle of the world, designed by Helmer and Jerry Dennis, remained centered in the background of the stage. The completion of the puzzle was meant to show the unification of cultural diversity, as the event was themed "Peace Together."
"It shows how we're all part of the same world, and how we all fit together," said Debbie Martin, advisor of the ISC and office coordinator for International Programs. "Despite whatever negative is happening in the world, this event shows how everyone can get together and demonstrate unity."
One of the memorable performances took place when the Korea group performed a highly spirited cheer dance near the show's end.
Korean college cheer dances are different than American cheerleading teams in that they are designed to be highly choreographed and energetic dances to music. There are also several series of strong and waving arm movements that make it distinguishable.
"Cheer dances are more fun," said captain Nam Woong, who jumped off the stage more than once. "I wanted to show Korean university culture."
The final act of the night was a sultry salsa dance performed by Maria Alejandra Perez and Brian Aguilar of team Colombia.
"I was just born knowing how to do this," Perez said afterward. "I guess it's just something you always know how to do in my country."
The ISC fund-raised and solicited the support of TCF Bank and the Student Association to make this event possible. Ticket sales also helped pay for the show.
"This event is not about making a profit," Martin said. "It is about experiencing a little bit of different cultures."