The International Students Association is preparing for its annual Ethnos show.
Ethnos is a show that allows both foreign and domestic students the opportunity to showcase the unique cultures present at ACU through a variety of artistic means. This year’s theme for the show is “One World.”
ISA president Soo Hun Yoon, senior biochemistry major from Sierra Leon, says events like the Ethnos show allow students to share in each others’ different cultural backgrounds.
“Ethnos is a way for international students to celebrate their culture,” Yoon said. “Another thing is that this event builds community and connections because it’s not only international students who are preparing for the show, but domestic students as well.”
Constance Tang, senior speech pathology major from Singapore, is secretary of ISA and has been in every Ethnos show since her freshman year.
“It’s a really fun thing to be a part of because you get to do things you normally wouldn’t get to do,” Tang said.
Tang cites her experience in an act two years ago as an example of how participating in the Ethnos show allowed her to experience a different culture.
“I was able to be in the African act, and it allowed me to meet so many people,” Tang said. “We hardly ever have opportunities to mingle with each other, and after all of the practices, all of the hours and hours you put into rehearsing, you can’t help but foster a bond with each other.”
Some of the acts that will be featured in the show include acts from Brazilian, Chinese and Korean cultures, an African-pop act and even a Zimbabwean choir. Yoon says the show is an opportunity for students who are not participating in the show to broaden their horizons.
“It’s a great way for students to get a taste of other cultures without having to travel to another country,” Yoon said. “This is a way for us to celebrate, appreciate and raise awareness of these cultures.”
This year’s Ethnos show will also include a food tasting, featuring foods from the different cultures represented in the show. A new VIP ticket option is also available for those who want to enjoy the evening in style.
“We’ve sectioned out fifty seats that have the best view in Cullen,” Yoon said. “And what you get when you buy a VIP ticket is you get to reserve a specific seat, you get early entry, a private lane that only you can enter through and then free drinks and snacks all night.”
The Ethnos show will be 7 p.m. Nov 6 and 7 in Cullen Auditorium. Tickets are available online or in the Campus Store. Regular admission tickets are $8, and VIP tickets are $10 for students and $12 for faculty.
