Observer Department: Arts and Entertainment
Tarot Talk Part 3: Beginning the final push, navigating the path to the exit
As the April sun begins to warm the walkways of the Lawrence and Haverhill campuses, the atmosphere at Northern Essex Community College is shifting. We’ve since moved past the initial “Awakening” of January and survived the “Crossroads” of March. Now, as the April/May finals approach, we’ve officially begun to walk…
A24 redefines film for millennials and Gen Z
When viewers are looking for a movie and come across an auteur-driven film, theminimalist A24 logo often appears on the screen. For Millennials and Gen Zers alike, that logo is the recognizable brand for new and old generations of cinephiles. A24 is an independent award-winning global entertainment company, known for…
NECC Theater to present ‘Angels in America’
A Pulitzer Prize-winning landmark of American theater is coming to NECC this spring, bringing with it a powerful and deeply human story that remains just as relevant today as when it first premiered. From April 30 through May 3 NECC theater will present Angels in America Part One: Millennium Approaches.…
Storyteller Al Bostick visits NECC
Tarot Talk Part 2: Facing all academic pressures without feeling the need to sacrifice one’s self
As the calendar turns toward late March/early April, Northern Essex Community College (NECC) students have reached a critical juncture. The initial momentum of the spring semester is now being tested by an influx of mid-term exams, final project deadlines, and the fatigue that naturally accompanies this brutal, mid-semester grind. While…
NECC Theater earns top honors
In January, as much of the region was digging out from the biggest snowstorm in years, a group of Northern Essex Community College’s finest thespians and stage crew was loading up their recent production of “The Vagina Monologues.” On Jan. 27, they traveled to Albany, New York, for the Region…
AI in the film industry raises concerns
As artificial intelligence becomes more common in Hollywood, some NECC students are raising concerns about synthetic performers like Tilly Norwood and their impact on opportunities for human actors. Tilly Norwood is an AI-generated actress created by Eline Van der Velden, a Dutch comedian, writer, actress, producer and CEO of Particle…
Drag in our community
Drag has become a controversial topic. With lawmakers seeking to criminalize certain aspects of drag, what do those that interact with drag really think about the art form? Boston based Drag performer Just JP says, “drag is my superhero costume. In drag I am presenting in a way where I…
Tarot Talk Part 1: Spring awakening – new seeds, new tools and following your North Star
As the frost still clings to the windows of Bentley Library, the quiet of the winter break has officially been replaced by the fresh hum and noises of a brand new semester. At Northern Essex Community College (NECC), the start of the spring term signals a unique transition—shifting from “low-gear”…
Tarot Talk Part 4: The Finale – Completion, Reflection, and the Road Ahead
The final exam period has concluded and the last paper was submitted. The silence on the Northern Essex Community College (NECC) campus is palpable. After weeks of driving willpower and pushing boundaries, this is officially the time to transition from high-gear academic action to low-gear reflection and celebration. For this…
