Neo-Futurist debate a student precursor to big show

Neo-Futurism is a non-illusionary type of theater that, according to their Web site, doesn't buy into the trend of "suspension of disbelief." The people on stage were not characters in their own world; they are who they say they are and they know they're performing for a live audience.

On the eve of the presidential debate, Hofstra's own participated in a Neo-Futurism performance. It was the culmination of a series of a series of workshops given by Chris Dippel, an adjunt professor in the Drama Department, who is also a founding member of the New York City branch of the Neo-Futurists. The NYC branch is the sister company of the Chicago group, founded in 1988 by Greg Allen.

The topic of their first performance: whether people in the U.S. "would be better served if political campaigns focused more on real issues and less on personal theatrics."

Drama Department students were featured in the University's production, comprised of Kyle Cheng, Louis Aquiler, Chris D'Amato, Keith Pinault and Abigail Strange on the affirmative side; Rich Traub, Jeremy Benson, Dina Massery, Richie Pepio and Alexis Rhiannon on the negative.

Each team delivered an opening statement, a rebuttal, a cross-examination and a closing statement. An audience vote determined the winner. The catch: they're not debating with speeches, they're using short plays.

Benson, on the negative side, said theatricality is important in politics, especially now. "Theatricality is not a bad thing," he said. "You can look at 'Rock the Vote' [as an example of theatricality]…it builds something within young people which makes them get involved. It's important in today's system."

The Neo-Futurists original production, "Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind," is still running in both Chicago and New York City. For more information, check out www.nyneofuturists.org or http://www.neofuturists.org/.

--David Gordon

Chronicle photographer published in Washington Post

Chronicle Senior Photo Editor Jackie Hlavenka was published on the Washington Post's Youth Vote blog for her photos of the stage setup in the David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex.

--Samuel Rubenfeld

Students receive ticket notices

Students who got a ticket to the debate found out via e-mail late Tuesday evening.

More than 6,800 students applied for a chance to get in the hall, where Barack Obama and John McCain will debate economic and domestic policy Wednesday night. Only 250 made the first lottery, and 200 more were added in an alternate lottery last Friday.

Sandra Johnson, vice president of Student Affairs, said Tuesday afternoon that the number of tickets issued won't be available until after the debate.

Although the students who were not lucky enough to be chosen still have plenty of ways to be involved with the debate on Wednesday, including interactive displays and buses, those selected realize how fortunate they are. Joanna Little, a freshman who made it all the way through the lottery is looking forward to experiencing this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“It is an honor to be a part of this monumental event at the University," Little said. "I understand how important this election is and I can’t believe I get to experience a part of it right here on campus.”

Another believes more tickets should have been available. "I'm really excited by the opportunity but I feel as if there are more deserving students out there," said Eryka Sajek, a junior who is a member of Progressive Students Union. "I think it's horrible for such an opportunity to come to a university, but not even open it up to the students who pay to go here. I don't see a point in saving over half the seats for party members.

"The canidates are trying to get our vote, not pledged party members."

--Megan McCloskey and Samuel Rubenfeld

Activist Gloria Steinem speaks at Adams Playhouse

Activists relived their glory days of the 60s and students put a face to the movement when Gloria Steinem, a longtime social activist, spoke Monday afternoon at the Adams Playhouse.

Steinem commented on how the debate got students “into history and out of classes.”

In her talk, Steinem addressed politics in general, along with the status of social movements and what they should do next. She said labeling does not help the electoral process. "Republicans were the first to introduce the equal rights amendments," Steinem said.

Steinem said that when a social justice movement begins, the people in it are told by critics that it can’t be done and it’s against nature. Now, feminists and other activists are told that their efforts are not necessary anymore, she said.

Steinem felt there was still a lot of work to do before everyone was regarded as individuals and biases were removed. However, she she also said culture is now at a turning point where steps can be made.

She strongly endorsed Barack Obama, the Democratic nominee, saying he is a “miraculous candidate who will help make this transition in a positive way.” As for Palin, she said electing her is a step back for feminism.

--Lindsay Christ

Rabinowitz rings NASDAQ opening bell

University President Stuart Rabinowitz just rang the NASDAQ's opening bell for today's trading, with other University officials and Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murry at his side.

The trading day lasts from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and yesterday the stock market saw its largest single-point gain in history. That rally followed the worst week ever on the stock market, which lost 18 percent of its value last week, and 22 percent of its value over eight trading days.

"At the NASDAQ, that's Hofstra University, site of the third and final presidential debate tomorrow and a major lacrosse tournament next month," said CNBC's anchor as the bell rang.

--Samuel Rubenfeld

PSU: Clean coal as real as 'Santa Claus'

Protesters dressed as elves handed out pamphlets to students explaining the myths behind clean coal.

“Make fossil fuels extinct,” the Progressive Student Union cheered on Monday as they held a protest against the use of “clean coal”. “Clean Coal is as real as Santa Claus,” they added.

The 40-minute protest held by PSU strove to enlighten students about the harmful effects of “clean coal.”

“Clean coal is dirty, both in the mining of it and in the burning of it,” said Laura Comer, a junior who is president of Students for a Greener Hofstra. Comer also said they want to educate people so they aren’t susceptible to illusions about coal being clean.

As for a safer, greener alternative? “We need to look towards safer, renewable energies such as wind and solar power. These types of energies are not only renewable, but are safe, and wont destroy the environment.” Comer said.

Along with protesting for a greener environment, the PSU also urged young people to vote through the organization Power Vote, an organization striving towards getting one million young people to not only vote in the upcoming election, but to make a greener earth their principal reason for voting.

“Hopefully the power vote will show the candidates that we are serious about this and it will make them look at smarter, safer alternatives," Comer said.