Is Netflix Hiding Something?

Netflix announced the upcoming premiere of a new series this Wednesday, uploading the trailer on all of its platforms. The show, called Grand Army, is set to be a teen drama following five high school students from Brooklyn as they navigate social, political, and personal issues. But is Netflix doing it right?

Immediate reactions to the trailer had people excited over the diverse cast and powerful message of “Together we Rise. Together we Rage.”

*Post from a fan @valsewme on Twitter expressing anticipation* *for the upcoming show’s debut*.

Cast members from the limited series were vocal in their own promotional posts about how proud they were to be part of a show that will “shift the culture.” (per @AlphonsoRomero_ on Instagram.)

Actress Odley Jean called it a protest, and actor Brian Altemus praised writer and producer, Katie Cappiello, for the world she created within the show. Find those posts here and here.

But soon after the news of the show dropped, it was discovered on Twitter that the writers, and Netflix itself, may not have gone about the production in the right way.

Screenwriter Ming Peiffer posted this thread of tweets describing her experience from working on the show. She explained that she and two other writers of color quit their positions due to racist exploitation and abuse. Peiffer further expressed her frustration at particular ironies to be found when comparing Netflix’s attitude toward the project and her experience on it.

*Original response post from @mingpdynasty on Twitter; a later tweet corrected the number of other POC writers to two in addition to herself.*

Allegations of these racist behaviors and Netflix’s knowledge of them have many who were previously interested in the series reeling in their excitement and speaking out against the service’s negligence. People have been submitting their feelings and expressing their opinions across platforms so that showrunner Katie Cappiello, as well as Netflix, might offer some kind of explanation.

*Tumblr user @londongirl2001 expresses their distrust for Netflix as a whole*.

*Tumblr user @thundergrace notes that the show “looked interesting but now it seems, based on the trailer, the people who were needed in the room left at some point.”* *This post includes the original Twitter post of @mingpdynasty responding to the trailer.*

Others are thinking of the actors who took part, holding their performances in regard before writing off the whole project as something to avoid.

*@renegadeangel13 responds to @mingpdynasty ‘s tweet, expressing their sympathy for the actors who contributed to the show.*

While we hope to learn more from those responsible, about the truth of what occurred, at the time this article was published no official statement regarding the mistreatment has been released.

September 4, 2020 0

Stagefright’s Big Hit

Salve Regina’s student-run theatre group sets new standards this week as their musical production sells out its entire run.

Stagefright Theatre Company put on a three-day viewing the week of March 2, for their production of the Addams Family Musical. Originally only planning for three shows, the group was blown away by the support for their work.

“Never in stagefright history have we ever sold out an entire run,” student director, Jillian Brooks-Duval, says. “Not only that–we sold out and then had to add another show, which then sold out. That’s like, the best thing that could happen,” she goes on. Responsible for directing and choreographing the show, Jillian tells us it has not been easy getting the show together.

With only a month to prepare, rehearsals were being held multiple times a week, and often even twice in a day. The time crunch certainly served as a stressor, with Jillian admitting she would have nightmares about something going wrong. But, she credits her cast and crew for working hard, saying, “I had a good team behind me.”

One member of that team is freshman frontrunner, Winder Landaverde. Winder played the role of Uncle Fester in the musical production, and says of his theatre family, “It’s just nice to have that sense of community…and over time you do build that relationship with them.” He also let us know how proud he is of the way they pulled it all off, saying, “This show was definitely a step up from what they [Stagefright] have done before.”

It definitely seems that way. The Megley Blackbox Theatre, where the shows were held, was not just packed with people on opening night. The anticipation for a great show was palpable among the audience. Chatter during intermission was filled with admiration for the cast and crew. Performers had the opportunity to ad-lib where they wanted and took their chances to slip in political jokes and innuendos, which had the house shaking with laughter.

Speaking with audience member Saarah Papineau, a freshman student here at Salve, it is clear the jokes were appreciated. “I don’t think I would’ve liked it if the jokes weren’t in there,” she says of the show, adding that she while she only went to support some friends, she enjoyed herself far more than expected.

One thing is for sure about the impact of this musical production: it won’t be forgotten easily.

March 9, 2020 0

Salve Community Says, “Who Needs Romance?” on Valentine’s Day

Every year, it’s the same. Jewelry ads are on nearly every billboard and commercial break you see, red and pink somehow replace any other color in the rainbow, and even your favorite coffee shop is pushing you to buy their seasonal doughnut with the heart-shaped sprinkles. You have to decide how you will make it through the holiday. Are you dreading the day? Feeling #foreveralone? Maybe you have plans to go out with a special someone. Are the reservations set? Has your date-night outfit been chosen? Did you pick just the right gift to say, ‘I love you’?

Maybe none of that matters. At least, that seems to be the case here at Salve Regina University, where it’s been made official: Valentine’s Day is not a big deal.

Sue Letourneau has been a member of the Salve community for 34 years, and does not like Valentine’s Day. She attributed this mostly to the increased workload she experiences in the mailroom around the holiday, but admitted she has never enjoyed it very much. “I don’t feel like it’s like authentic love,” she said, adding that it can feel obligatory to do something special. She appreciated the notion of a friend-focused alternative, like ‘Galentine’s Day’ or ‘Palentine’s Day,’ and said, “I think friends truly love each other.” Her ideal celebration is a night of wine and cheese with friends, keeping it casual.

Olivia Seymour, a 24-year-old intern on the Salve campus, says that the novelty of a romantic Valentine’s Day has worn off for her, too. Having been with her boyfriend for almost eight years, she told us they don’t count on each other to do a whole lot. This year, Olivia is using the day of love to see some old friends for dinner, and said, “We’re gonna go just friends, no boyfriends.” She thinks that using the holiday as a way to get everybody together is nice, with the added ‘no boyfriends’ rule letting them reconnect as friends.

These are the kind of plans Anna Cloherty is looking forward to as well. Anna, a junior Communications major here at Salve, said she plans to do a movie night with some friends, and told us she’s a fan of the ‘Galentine’s Day’ take on February 14. “You don’t have to be in a relationship to celebrate Valentine’s Day,” Anna said. She added that her dream Valentine’s Day doesn’t have anything to do with romance, and would just be about being with somebody she appreciates, who feels the same for her.

Perhaps the answer to the annual question of what to do about Valentine’s Day has been right in front of us all along: just subtract the romance. The love you share on February 14 can be with anybody for a good time. As Anna put it, “Just enjoying each other’s company is the best thing about the holiday.”

February 12, 2020 0