The International Students’ Association will be putting on the annual Ethnos culture show on campus next weekend. This year’s theme is “Departures,” a story of a kid moving from his comfortable life in America to Ecuador.
Jenny Valenzuela, senior psychology major from, is directing this year’s show.
“The theme focuses on learning to live in and adjust to different cultures,” Valenzuela said.
Adrian Patenaude, senior ad/PR, said this theme derives from the life experiences of several ISA members. She, along with her brother, Lucius, grew up in Thailand and have experienced the departure from one culture to another.
“The whole idea with culture is that we need to embrace all cultures and not get stuck in just one,” Patenaude said.
Ethnos began in 1981, and is a rich part of ACU culture on its own. This year will be the 22nd show put on by ISA.
Different student groups on campus are participating in the show, including Omega Dance Company, Sanctify and Shades. The dance acts represent traditional and modern cultural arts from all over the world. From China to India to Africa and everywhere in between, Ethnos will showcase the beautiful and rich tradition of students’ cultural heritage.
The last audition for acts was held Wednesday, with the rehearsal schedule picking up speed from now until showtime.
“It’s stressful the week before and we’re all kind of wanting to pull our hair out,” Valenzuela says. “But it will all be worth it in the end.”
Valenzuela, who is not a part of ISA, was an actress in the show last year. Though she was not originally planning to direct the show, Valenzuela accepted the position when it was presented to her.
“I have a lot of background theater experience and it is a great group of actors. The group of people I have has been very receptive to critique and that is what makes my job easy,” Valenzuela says. “It’s going to be a great show, everyone is working really hard and we are just excited about it.”
“ISA is trying to grow the dialogue between international students and students here from the U.S.,” Patenaude says.
Ethnos is one of the biggest fall productions on campus and is a very high-quality production. ISA wants to put on a great show of a professional standard.
“Not only students but people all over Abilene come to the show because it is that good,” says Patenaude.
Tickets are available for $7 in the campus store and online at www.ethnos2013.eventbrite.com. They can also be purchased for $10 at the door on show nights.
“Ethnos is the perfect place for blending cultures because we invite all groups. It is a place to celebrate all types of culture,” said Patenaude.
