News & Notes
University recently awarded major Joint Forces Contract The Department of Defense, on behalf of the Norfolk-based U.S. Joint Forces Command (USJFCOM), has awarded a contract to Old Dominion to provide student and faculty research services in direct support of the USJFCOM mission areas of joint training, logistics, integration, experimentation and transformation. The ceiling of the base period of the contract is valued at up to $5.8 million, and the ceiling of the total value of the contract, if all options are exercised, is more than $30.8 million. The award will be managed through the Virginia Modeling, Analysis and Simulation Center (VMASC), an enterprise center of the College of Engineering and Technology. If fully funded over the five-year period, the award will be the largest research contract in university history. Robert Ash, interim vice president of research, who accepted the award on behalf of Old Dominion and VMASC, said, "The university is pleased to continue the unique relationship with USJFCOM that began in 1997. This contract will enable the university to increase and expand its research internships, advance the state of knowledge in modeling and simulation, and continue to attract world-class faculty." After a competitive search process, the new award for Student-Faculty Support research services will allow the university to continue and significantly expand projects conducted from January 1997 through September 2002, as part of a similar contract worth $5.3 million, where more than two dozen faculty and 150 students provided at least one semester of research support to USJFCOM. "It comes down to USJFCOM identifying problems that require research effort," said R. Bowen Loftin, executive director of VMASC, professor of electrical and computer engineering and professor of computer science, who will serve as principal investigator and contract program manager. "We put together a team of Old Dominion University faculty and students to work with them on a case-by-case basis." U.S. Joint Forces Command is the "transformation laboratory" of the U.S. military that serves to enhance the Unified Commanders' capabilities to implement that strategy. USJFCOM develop concepts, tests these concepts through rigorous experimentation, educates joint leaders, trains joint forces. and makes recommendations on how the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines can better integrate their war-fighting capabilities. Such work must include and strengthen service efforts, draw on the best of industry and follow the will of the citizens as expressed through Congress. Back to top Recipient of 1999 Nobel Peace Prize to speak on campus Nov. 13 Carol Etherington, recipient of the 1999 Nobel Peace Prize and the acting president of Doctors Without Borders, will speak on campus Wednesday, Nov. 13, for the President's Lecture Series. Her talk, "Childhood Interrupted by War and Disaster," will begin at 8 p.m. in room 102 of the Mills Godwin Jr. Life Sciences Building. Doctors Without Borders is an international humanitarian aid organization that provides emergency medical assistance to populations in danger in more than 80 countries. As a psychiatric nurse, Etherington has worked extensively with traumatized populations in community and post-disaster settings worldwide. She is also an assistant professor of community health at the Vanderbilt University School of Nursing in Nashville. In her roles as a clinical nurse, mental health trauma specialist and disaster response team member, Etherington has worked in multiple settings, from the rural areas of Appalachia to Cambodia and from the city streets of Nashville to Sarajevo. An advocate and voice for vulnerable and victimized populations, she has designed, implemented and administered programs that address the health and mental health needs of populations experiencing severe physical and emotional trauma. Etherington helped treat victims of a brutal regime in Cambodia and offered comprehensive mental health services to residents of Bosnia in her role with the International Medical Corps and Medicins Sans Frontieres, or Doctors Without Borders. She has also worked with local governments and international teams in Honduras, Kosovo, Poland, Tajikistan, Sierra Leone and Angola to set up community-based programs that address post-traumatic conditions in the aftermath of war and natural disaster. She has served as a volunteer following many national disasters, including New York City after Sept. 11. In 1986 she designed and directed Police Advocacy Support Services. For her work domestically and abroad, Etherington was one of two Americans and 36 recipients worldwide to receive the 1997-98 International Red Cross Florence Nightingale Medal. Seating for the lecture is available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information call 683-3114. Back to top Doblin, Adam are speakers for library's Fall Forum The Friends of the Library Annual Fall Forum will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 10, in room 151 of Perry Library. It is free and open to the public. The program will feature a joint presentation by Martina Doblin, research assistant professor of ocean, earth and atmospheric sciences, and John Adam, University Professor of Mathematics, on "Art in Science" and "Math in Nature." Doblin, along with other ODU faculty members, is using images of microscopic marine organisms to develop a K-12 curriculum that combines the disciplines of science and art. Her presentation will feature ideas used in the Art in Science curriculum. Doblin initiated the Art in Science project at Old Dominion in 2000. Adam's presentation on "Math in Nature" will feature a slide show of patterns in the environment, such as clouds, flowers and rainbows. Among the courses he teaches is "Mathematics in Nature," which forms the basis for his upcoming book Mathematics in Nature: Modeling Patterns in the Natural World. Back to top Tickets on sale for basketball tailgate parties The Office of Alumni Relations will host tailgate parties prior to the opening women's and men's basketball games in the Ted Constant Convocation Center. The Lady Monarchs open their season in the new center Friday, Nov. 22, against the University of Virginia Lady Cavaliers. The tailgate party will begin at 5 p.m.; game time is 7 p.m. The men's team will play the University of North Carolina Tar Heels on Sunday, Nov. 24. The tailgate party will start at 11 a.m., followed by the game at 1 p.m. The parties will be held in front of the Child Study Center. The cost of $27 includes a game ticket, tailgate food and beverages (beer and soda), an ODU fan towel and a bonus ticket to another game later in the season. Season ticket holders may purchase tickets to the tailgate parties for $7 . Children under age 4 will be admitted free. Payment may be made via personal check (payable to Old Dominion University) or credit card (Visa or MasterCard). For more information or to order tickets call 683-3097. Back to top Two days left to pick up treasures at used book sale The final two days of the University Libraries' 28th annual used book sale will be Friday and Saturday, Nov. 1 and 2. The sale, which is being held in room 151 of Perry Library, will run from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 1 and from 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 2. Proceeds support the libraries' Student Achievement Awards. Paperbacks will be sold for 50 cents and hardbacks for $2. Back to top Leading financial analyst to address Economics Club Frank A. Cappiello, one of the country's leading financial analysts, will be the guest speaker at the Economics Club of Hampton Roads luncheon Wednesday, Nov. 13. Co-sponsored by the College of Business and Public Administration, the luncheon begins at noon and costs $30 for nonmembers. It will be held at the Sheraton Waterside Hotel in downtown Norfolk. Cappiello is president of McCullough, Andrews & Cappiello Inc., a large investment counseling firm with offices in San Francisco and Baltimore. Best known to television viewers as a regular panelist on the PBS television series "Wall Street Week with Louis Rukeyser," Cappiello appeared on the program from its premiere in 1970 to its final broadcast in March 2002. He is now a regular panelist on Rukeyser's weekly CNBC program, "Lou Rukeyser's Wall Street." Cappiello has written four books, including "Finding the Next Superstock," which sets forth a blueprint for discovering the Wal-Marts and Microsofts of the future. He is currently a Distinguished Visiting Professor of finance at Loyola College in Maryland. For reservations call 683-4058. Back to top Music dept. sponsors variety of free concerts The music department is sponsoring four free concerts over the next two weeks. With the exception of a performance by the University Wind Ensemble at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 6 in the University Theatre, the following concerts will take place in Chandler Recital Hall of the Diehn Fine and Performing Arts Center:
For more information call 683-4061. Back to top
All of the events are free and open to the public. For more information call 683-4406. Back to top
The book club series is focusing currently on the struggles and triumphs faced by American Indians in Virginia. Monday's discussion will begin at 7 p.m. in the Potomac/York River Room of Webb Center. Two events are scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 14. First is a talk by Mitchell Lester Bush Jr., from the Beaver Clan, Onondagan Nation, titled "American Indian: Past, Present, Future" at 6 p.m. in room 151 of Perry Library. At 7 p.m. Nov. 14 in the Hampton/ Newport News Room of Webb Center, the Red Crooked Sky Dancers will perform an exhibition that incorporates various American Indian dance styles.
The program, titled "Celebration of Hope," is sponsored by the Women's Center and Delta Sigma Lambda as part of Sexual Assault Awareness Week. Back to top Milton Barnes dies Oct. 23 Milton Grey Barnes, 56, a painter for the past 10 years at Old Dominion, died Oct. 23 at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. A Norfolk resident, Barnes attended Booker T. Washington High School. He was a native of Snow Hill, N.C. Survivors include his daughter, LaTesha Barnes of Upper Marlboro, Md.; two sisters, Sarah Barnes Belt of Upper Marlboro and Loretta Barnes Bernabella of Norfolk; two brothers, Edward Lee Barnes of Norfolk and Johnny D. Barnes of Chesapeake; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Back to top Correction The title of Maj. Gen. Henry Osman '69, one of nine former students who were honored with Distinguished Alumni awards on Founders' Day, Oct. 25, was listed incorrectly in the last issue. He is commanding general, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Forces Atlantic, Camp Lejeune, N.C. Back to top Layoffs total 73; BOV to vote on midyear tuition increase
By STEVE DANIEL
In response to Old Dominion's state-mandated budget cut of 10 percent for the remainder of the current fiscal year, university officials announced plans last week to lay off 73 employees and to implement a midyear tuition surcharge. On Oct. 21, the Board of Visitors Executive Committee voted to recommend a midyear $12 per-credit-hour tuition surcharge to help offset cuts to academic programs. The university's budget reduction proposal must be approved by the full board, which will hold a special meeting at 3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8, to vote on the surcharge. For full-time students taking 15 credit hours, the surcharge would mean an additional $180 in fees next semester. Lauren Marsh, student representative to the board, noted during the meeting that while students aren't anxious to pay more, they do understand the necessity and want to do their share. According to the plan, 80 percent of the surcharge would be used to prevent cuts in academic programs and 20 percent would be used to provide financial assistance to the neediest of students most affected by the increase. The budget reduction proposal also called for the layoffs of 50 classified positions, three administrative positions and 20 hourly positions. It also means the elimination of one academic program, closing three TELETECHNET sites and converting one higher education center to a TELETECHNET site. Of the 73 employees who were notified on Oct. 22 of the layoffs, 31--19 full-time and 12 part-time staff members-- worked in facilities management. According to Ron Tola, assistant vice president for facilities, decisions about the layoffs were guided by a desire to maintain key services, including roofing and energy management, and to keep employees who had several skills. Speaking before the Faculty Senate the afternoon of Oct. 22, President Roseann Runte said, "It is always the worst of times when one has to reduce one's budget, and it's even worse when one has to lay people off. "Those are all people with faces, they're all people with names, they're all people with families, they're all people who are going to go home tonight and not have jobs. And all of us feel really sorry. We've done everything possible for those who are laid off to help them find another job, to provide them with counseling and severance, and all the benefits we can." Noting that all of the decisions were hard regarding the budget-cutting process, Runte told the senate, "We took as our principle that we would protect the academic enterprise of the university. I really believe that if we lose our academic reputation, if students think that they can't come here and graduate, or that they can't have good classes, that they can't have good teachers, then we lose our reputation, and it will be years before we can get that reputation back." While Runte said the university shouldn't suffer as much under next year's cut of 11.9 percent, since the 2002-03 cut of 10 percent comes nearly four months into the fiscal year, she added, "We're going to face two hard years. If we want to do anything exciting during those two hard years, we're going to have to come up with the money ourselves, and if we can find ways to make money, let's do it." In answer to a question about filling vacant faculty positions, Runte said the university would "have to wait for the dust to settle. When the dust settles, I think there will be some hiring." Paul Champagne, chair of the Faculty Senate, noted, "What happens if a couple people decide to pack their bags and leave? You can find yourself in a very bad situation trying to cover some of your courses. Some of the courses really can't be covered easily by adjuncts and instructors, such as graduate courses. That's the real issue." Back to top
Sponsored by the College of Business and Public Administration, the series brings accomplished business leaders to campus to share firsthand experience with students. Schievelbein will speak at 12:30 p.m. in room 1005 of Constant Hall. Seating is on a first-come, first- served basis. Schievelbein, who has served as president since 2001, oversees some 18,000 employees at Northrop Grumman Newport News, the nation’s sole designer, builder, and refueler of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and one of only two companies capable of designing and building nuclear-powered submarines. Prior to his appointment as president, Schievelbein served as executive vice president and chief operating officer of Newport News Shipbuilding. He also served as vice president for human resources and administration, vice president of strategy and naval program development, and vice president for naval marketing. Schievelbein joined Newport News after 12 years with General Electric Co., most recently as advanced programs manager for marine and defense facilities sales. He also held a variety of commercial marketing positions, both domestic and international, with General Electric. Schievelbein earned a bachelor’s degree in marine engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy and a master’s in nuclear engineering from the University of Virginia. For more information about the Executive-in-Residence Speaker Series call 683-3520 or visit the Web site, www.odu.edu/execspeakers. Back to top
U.S. Rep. Edward L. Schrock launched Oct. 21 the National Centers for System of Systems Engineering (NCSOSE), a nationwide resource for developing, coordinating and integrating research and engineering applications among government agencies, at Old Dominion. “We live in an increasingly complex, technological environment,” remarked Schrock. “Our current capability in engineering complex systems is in an embryonic stage. The Department of Defense, our local Joint Forces Command and other institutions are grappling with these issues." “The establishment of NCSOSE at Old Dominion University will bring together, for the first time, the best minds from academia, industry and government to solve these problems. NCSOSE will educate our System of Systems Engineers of tomorrow and assist decision-makers in establishing new policies for developing complex systems of systems. “NCSOSE will bring high-paying, high-tech jobs to the Hampton Roads region, while improving our seaport security and military force protection.” NCSOSE is a collection of independent, nonprofit, engineering research and application organizations, government entities and universities that will solve problems, develop technologies and direct research to address the major issues in the integration of complex system of systems. It will be headquartered on campus and will focus initially on seaport security and maritime force protection. “As a leader in engineering research and education and a partner with the Department of Defense on many initiatives, Old Dominion University is well-prepared and qualified to take a principal role in this important endeavor,” said President Roseann Runte. “We are excited and proud to be part of the solution to one of our country’s more pressing needs.” System of systems engineering provides processes and technologies designed to get high-level, disparate systems – both technological and organizational – to function as an integrated complex system that produces desired results. For example, to achieve a secure U.S. seaport requires many high-level systems, such as the Navy, Coast Guard, Port Authority, local law enforcement, Immigration and Naturalization Services, Customs and shipping enterprises, to work together and share information. Each of these agencies has its own organizational structure, technology base and communications systems that are not necessarily compatible with the other agencies’ systems. System of systems engineering provides agencies with solutions for interoperability, platform integration and systems architecture. According to Ralph Rogers, chair of the engineering management and systems engineering department and director of NCSOSE, Old Dominion’s primary mission will be to serve as an “honest broker” for the initiative. “Agencies will bring their problems to us and we’ll refer them to the institution with the correct expertise to solve the issue – whether that’s Old Dominion or another university, or some other organization or enterprise.” Back to top
She’s always ready with a smile, likes to laugh and has a pleasing personality. All traits one would want in an employee who deals on a daily basis with prospective students, parents and guidance counselors. When Alice McAdory was brought in to head the admissions office two years ago, her biggest challenge, however, was improving employee morale. Her winning personality, along with her work ethic and leadership qualities, all combined to turn the morale problem on its head. “This is what makes me the most proud,” she said. “People here now enjoy their work. I like the people who work here – they’re professional and enthusiastic.” McAdory is also proud of the fact that she and her staff have worked hard to attract more and better students to Old Dominion, as well as provide better service to both internal and external customers. “It’s been a group effort,” she acknowledged. “All of us have made sacrifices and worked long hours.” She’s now concerned about having enough scholarship money to continue to attract all-around students with high SATs and GPAs. “One way to bring these students to campus is to offer scholarships. You have to build a base, but then word of mouth will help attract future students. Current students will tell their friends that ODU is a great school.”
State of the Region: Third annual report looks at everything from economy and taxes to religion and newspaper coverage By STEVE DANIEL A variety of issues, from the economy and public social services to daily newspapers and religion, are examined in Old Dominion University’s third annual “State of the Region” report, a publication produced by the university’s Regional Studies Institute. The 122-page report also looks at the economic impact of Sept. 11 on Hampton Roads, the regional distribution of income and taxes. James V. Koch, Board of Visitors Professor of Economics and President Emeritus of Old Dominion, oversaw the production of the report, which received financial support from the university and a number of local organizations and individuals. Koch notes that the report does not constitute an official viewpoint of the university. “Our ‘State of the Region’ reports maintain the modest goal of making Hampton Roads an even better place to live,” he said. “We are proud of our region’s many successes, but realize it is possible to improve the region’s performance. “Yet, in order to improve our performance, we must have accurate information about ‘where we are’ and a sound understanding of the policy options available to us. This year’s report places particular emphasis upon providing up-to-date information on how Hampton Roads compares to other regions nationally.” In the first section of the report, Hampton Roads is compared to other metropolitan areas on everything from the economy to quality of life. Among the findings are:
The report also touts its section on public social services as “a ‘must read’ for all who want to make Hampton Roads a better place to live.” The section looks primarily at financial assistance services, or benefit programs. The section “Newspapers in Hampton Roads: Competition, Coverage and Issues” offers an examination of local news coverage by The Virginian-Pilot and the Daily Press. Among its findings is that both papers rarely report on news events from “the other side of the water.” The section points out, however: “What’s especially ironic about the findings is that both papers have expressed editorial support in the past for looking at the many cities and counties of Hampton Roads as one region. Both have taken the time to applaud the efforts of regional cooperation and both have chastised elected officials and other policy makers for not finding more ways to work together.” Also included in this section is a review of weekly newspapers and inserts. In its section on taxes, the report offers some suggestions for change, such as having the state treat cities such as Norfolk, Portsmouth and Newport News the same as it does Richmond with regard to their relatively large amount of tax-exempt, government property. “Richmond receives significant funding from the commonwealth because it is unable to tax the considerable amount of state property located within its city limits,” the report points out. This section also notes, “Consider the looming possibility of an increase in the general sales tax within the Hampton Roads region in order to pay for vital transportation projects. Is this the best way to generate the needed revenue? Most economists would say ‘no,’ and would instead support a user tax on gasoline.” In his letter to readers at the beginning of the 2002 “State of the Region” report, Koch concludes, “Our hope is the report will stimulate you to think further about Hampton Roads and that it will generate discussion about our region’s future.” Back to top
Preceding the 6:30 p.m. concert will be a cabaret-style dinner at the Constant Center, starting at 5 p.m. A limited number of tickets is available for the combination dinner-concert gala. The cost is $75 and tickets may be reserved by calling 683-3116. Tickets to the concert only are on sale for $45 and $35 at the Constant Center box office and all Ticketmaster locations. They can be charged by phone by calling Ticketmaster at 671-8100 or on the Web at www.ticketmaster.com. Flack’s hit song, “Killing Me Softly,” won three Grammy awards in 1974 for Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Best Pop Vocal, Female. She has released timeless classics for more than 30 years, including “The First Time Ever ...,” “Where Is the Love” and “Feel Like Makin’ Love.” Flack’s musical storytelling has influenced a number of talented musicians, such as Anita Baker, Luther Vandross and Oleta Adams. Ted Constant and his wife, Constance, have established university scholarships, supported the athletic programs and contributed to the renovation of Constant Hall. Most recently, he committed $5 million to support the new convocation center, the centerpiece of the University Village project. Back to top
For more information or tickets call 683-4444 or go to www.constantcenter.com. Back to top
In this new series of columns, I will try to keep you updated about the progress of this initiative, for which I serve as project leader. The decision to acquire portal software was made through an extensive process involving stakeholders that clearly recognized the wide range of needs on our campus. Using a detailed set of criteria, a committee evaluated portal products against the specifications established, and identified the best portal software package for Old Dominion. Web portals are the next evolution in Internet services in that they provide more robust, one-point access to a variety of content and core services. They also offer a single sign-on point. Designed to give users a managed online experience, portals are especially helpful to new users as a starting and return point for venturing online. The content is dynamically managed through databases and application windows, often including calendars, to-do lists, discussion groups, bookmarks, announcements and reports. Also typically included are searches, e-mail and address books, as well as access to news, weather reports, maps and shopping information. Why have a portal? Our customers, and even we here at the university, are demanding a higher level of service and direct access. We want an easy, transparent way to respond to our increasingly complex environment. As “end-users,” we are looking for solutions that can bring together resources, services, features and interests that matter to us and enable us to be more productive. A portal that end-users like and use cannot be simply “installed.” Portals are built, more specifically, “grown,” over time. The software can create an infrastructure to pull together a wide range of disparate systems enabling them to work together and adapt to technology changes. Our portal can, in a broader context, act as an entity that can provide focus, unify and introduce a level of orderliness in a large community like ours. A successful portal is one that faculty, staff, students and others in our university community log on to every day, all day. Our vision for the portal is to develop a critical mass of users that will nurture it into becoming a community hub of information, cross-functionality, data and collaboration, and a central point for application access. In the coming months there will be opportunities for everyone from the university community to contribute to building, or “growing,” the Old Dominion portal. Back to top
The awards program is sponsored by the Department of Human Resources. Robichaud joined Old Dominion in 1999 specifically to work on the Constant Center project. Throughout the process, he worked with a variety of customers, from the construction crews, to the architects to the end users. He established productive working relationships with all of his “customers” and consistent sought input from everyone involved during the process. “I cannot compliment his efforts enough, and I have never seen a project manager have every user ‘sing his praises,’” remarked Robert L. Fenning, vice president for administration and finance, in a letter supporting Robichaud’s nomination for the award. “There were many tough issues and decisions, but he represented all parties well.” Robichaud’s work, in fact, was appreciated on many fronts throughout the campus community. John R. Broderick, vice president for institutional advancement, wrote, “In my 10 years at Old Dominion, I have never met an individual more willing to take on task after difficult task, yet so unflappable despite all that is going on around him. “The complexity of overseeing the construction of a $50 million convocation center would be daunting to some, but to Dave, it always seemed like nothing but fun and a labor of love.” Donald A. Runyon, assistant vice president for auxiliary services, added, “Not only has Dave completed this project on time and on budget, but he has maintained the respect, friendship and cooperation of the many contractors, workmen, architects, staff, students, athletes, coaches and fans at the same time.” Robichaud’s award includes $500, three days of recognition leave and an engraved plaque. Other employees nominated for the award were: Joe Blanchard, Virginia Beach Higher Education Center; Jenny Caja, Student Services; Dawn Hall, Department of Educational Leadership and Counseling; Crissy Jambard, Debit Card Center; Margaret (Jeannette) Jones, Office of Counseling and Advising; Martin Jordan, Custodial Services; Denise McNeil, Department of Parking Services; Tina Price, Athletics Department; Walease Reid, Department of Human Resources; and Lishena Ruffin, Office of Student Financial Aid. The three-member graphics department staff of Debbie Miller, Robert Jones and Don Emminger was honored collectively for its excellent customer relations in the provision of professional design services for faculty and administrators to support their teaching, research, scholarly publications, conferences, seminars and meetings. Miller, who heads the office, has worked at Old Dominion for nearly 25 years. Emminger joined the graphics office in 1988, followed by Jones in 1999, who had previously worked six years in the Office of Publications. “The service they have provided has always been of the highest quality and typically has gone above and beyond what I asked for or expected,” said Frank P. Day, professor of biological sciences. “I cannot think of a single service or office on campus, or a single service or business off campus, that comes close to the consistent, helpful attitude exuded by these individuals.” John A. Adam, University Professor of Mathematics, noted in his letter of support, “In short, this department is a gem in the university community. I think that they deserve recognition for all they do and the effective, efficient and courteous manner in which they do it!” As part of their honor, the staff received $500 to share, an engraved plaque and one day of recognition leave for each employee. Also nominated for the Department of the Year award were the Housekeeping Department and the Office of Student Financial Aid. Back to top
Cook is a powerful yet eclectic jazz vocalist. Her MAXJAZZ debut, “It’s All About Love,” was nominated for a Grammy in 1999 for best jazz vocal performance, nominated for best recording debut by the Jazz Journalist Association and awarded an AFIM Indie Award for Best Jazz Vocal. A recent release, “Dem Bones,” continues to receive critical acclaim. Cook travels worldwide as both bandleader and featured vocalist for others, most notably the Lionel Hampton Orchestra. Tickets for the performance are $15 for general admission; $10 for faculty and staff, senior citizens and non-ODU students; and $5 for ODU students with valid ID. Tickets may be purchased at the Arts and Letters Box Office in the Diehn Center atrium or by calling 683-5305. Back to top
Under the direction of Christopher Hanna and set to the live music of a three-piece Klezmer band, the production will dramatize events of the Jewish Holocaust and Nazi concentration camp atrocities in ways that are uncharacteristically daring and entertaining. Silberman’s play, which he describes as a “Holocaust Vaudeville,” asks audiences to reconsider the legacy of the Holocaust, redefining its victims as heroes. The play interweaves many stories, including those of brave love, attempted rebellion and daily diversions of children surviving medically inflicted deformities. Black humor and stand-up comedy (“What is an Aryan? The rear end of a Proletarian”) complete the mix, even including a surreal “Wonderland” sequence captioned “Alice in Auschwitz.” The resulting drama is as inspiring as it is harrowing. Silberman’s plays have been staged in New York and Chicago, as well as at regional theatres across the country. His one-act drama “Walkin’ Backward” is included in “The Best American Short Plays, 2000-2001,” and another short play, “Throw,” was recently produced in New York City as part of the Brave New World event on Sept. 11. He teaches dramatic writing in the M.F.A. program in creative writing. Show times are 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $10 for general admission, $8 for non-ODU students and groups, and $5 for ODU students with identification. For tickets call 683-5305. Back to top |