All posts by Bailey Orio, Campus Life Editor

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Enhancing accessibility on campus

 

Northern Essex Community College’s Haverhill Campus is a hub of academic and social activity, but for students with disabilities, navigating its spaces can sometimes present unexpected challenges. 

While efforts are made to ensure accessibility, some students and faculty say recent incidents have highlighted the need for better communication and proactive measures.

DJ Rosado, a student who uses a wheelchair to get around at NECC, shared his experiences with accessibility on the campus, emphasizing both positives and areas for improvement. 

“My experience with accessibility on the campus is OK, but there are times when I feel like they should’ve done stuff sooner,” Rosado remarked.  

Rosado went on to say, he recounted an incident where he was stuck in an elevator, the elevator just stopped working.  This underscores the need of how important it is for the elevators to work properly and when concerns are reported, that timely assistance and support from campus facilities are addressed.  

Rosado’s concerns extend beyond isolated incidents. “Last year, when I was taking two theater classes, they  wanted to fix the elevator and without prior warning, they disrupted me in class to inform me that they would be shutting the elevator down and I had to leave the class.  It upsets me because I wasn’t given advanced warning, and I lost valuable class time,” Rosado said. The lack of communication left him and his peers feeling frustrated and inconvenienced.  I myself rely on the use of elevators for accessibility. The elevators in the C building and the Student Center are unreliable and at times hinder my ability to get to class.  

My class had to be moved in the fall of 2023,  because of the elevator not working, and I didn’t get notified until the last minute. So you can see that these issues have been going on for a while. Rosado and my experience further emphasizes the critical need for improved facilities,  communication, and proactive measures to address accessibility concerns on campus. Northern Essex Community College is a great school with many great faculty members that want to see all students succeed.  By fostering collaboration between students, faculty, and administration, we can continue to make NECC a campus environment that prioritizes accessibility and inclusivity. 

Arts and Entertainment, Slider

Hurricane Diane play revival takes NECC by storm

 
A group of women
The poster for Hurricane Diane.

In a dazzling display of talent and creativity, the Northern Essex Community College  theater scene was electrified by the remarkable production of “Hurricane Diane.”

The Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) selected the production as a finalist for the Region 1 Festival, taking place from Jan. 30 to Feb. 3.

“Festival,” as it’s called, brings together hundreds of college theater students, professors, and professionals from New England and New York to showcase their work and share their expertise. Hurricane Diane was one of just six finalists chosen out of 60 productions, including shows from many prestigious, four-year schools. 

After competing in the festival, the production of the play was remounted at NECC. 

Directed by the visionary Brianne Beatrice, this extraordinary performance on Feb. 25 brought together a stellar cast to deliver a modern twist on Greek mythology that left audiences spellbound.

At the heart of the production is the character of Diane, portrayed with depth and charisma by the incomparable Mirrorajah Metcalfe. 

Diane, a contemporary incarnation of the Greek god Dionysus, emerges as a butch, permaculture gardener navigating the complexities of the modern world. 

Metcalfe’s portrayal captivated audiences, infusing the character with both vulnerability and strength.

Metcalfe’s portrayal is winning accolades too. 

She was nationally awarded top three students across the country as “Outstanding actor for a Performance.” 

Metcalfe will attend the national awards cremonies on April 25 at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. 

Accompanying Diane on her journey are the hilarious New Jersey housewives, portrayed with comedic brilliance by Olivia Barberian, Gwynnethe Glickman, Jessica Newey, and Ana Barrera. 

Their dynamic performances added layers of humor and depth to the production, providing moments of levity amidst the stormy narrative.

What sets “Hurricane Diane Encore’’ apart is its commitment to inclusivity and representation. 

The LGBTIA community is showcased in all its diversity and vibrancy, with the cast delivering authentic and nuanced portrayals that resonate deeply with audiences. 

From moments of solidarity to poignant reflections on identity, the play celebrates the richness of queer experiences with grace and authenticity.

The chemistry among the cast members is palpable, their performances complementing and elevating each other to create a truly ensemble piece. 

From poignant monologues to uproarious ensemble scenes, the actors’ commitment to their roles shines through, drawing audiences into the world of the play with irresistible charm.

Beatrice’s direction brings coherence and vitality to the production, seamlessly blending elements of comedy, drama, and social commentary into a cohesive narrative. 

Her bold artistic choices and keen eye for detail infuse the play with energy and urgency, resulting in a thoroughly engaging theatrical experience.

As the curtain falls on “Hurricane Diane the revival,” it leaves an indelible impression on the NECC theater scene, reminding us of the transformative potential of art to illuminate the human experience in all its complexity and beauty.