Islam lectures strive to myth-bust

Aries Matheos
Current Staff Writer

AACC will be hosting a lecture by Amer Ahmed called “Islam: Beyond the Myths, Breaking Down the Barriers.”  Ahmed will be covering important issues and topics such as the myths about Islamic culture, the similarities between Islam and Christianity, the impact of 9/11, and the dynamics of the Muslim community in America.


   “I truly believe that there are a lot of myths that people have about the Islam culture and I hope that this lecture will help to dispel some of those myths,” said Kimberly Herrara, Coordinator of Student Activities.


   Though it’s a similar topic to the film series, “Images of Muslim Women” hosted by the Women’s Institute, Herrara said Student Activities happened to receive an email about Ahmed and thought it would be appropriate because of the recent controversy in New York City.


   The lecture will be held in Florestano 101, Wednesday October 27th, at 2 PM.

 

Science night hopes to unleash the kid in everyone

Lenny Turner

Campus Writer


Science Night returns for its third showing at Anne Arundel Community College on Tuesday, November 9.

Science Night runs from 6:45-7:30 p.m. in the Dining Hall. Afterwards, ‘The Big Show’ runs from 7:30-8:30 p.m at the Pascal Theatre. ‘The Big Show’ features larger, more complex experiments.

There is a kid in all of us no matter our age,” said science night coordinator and physical science Professor Jason Barbour. “Science Night appeals to people through surprising or amazing results.”

Science Night will feature scientific experiments and demonstrations presented by AACC professors and students. There will be demonstrations related to energy, chemistry, and motion.

“One of my favorite experiments is pulling the tablecloth out from under the dishes,” Barbour said.

Barbour is looking forward to seeing the expressions on everyone’s face after experiencing and sharing the wonders of science.

“It is amazing to see students who sit quietly and expressionless in class smiling as they present a demonstration to a group of kids,” Barbour continued.

Science Night is open for anyone to attend; local public schools have also been informed of the night’s events.

“[A goal of science night is] to foster a love of science in children,” said Barbour.


Leading actors discuss a 'funny thing'

By Areti Psaromatis

Current Staff Writer


Step right into the world of Jennette Nelligan and Chris Leabhart, two of the young leading actors of AACC’s newest production, “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.”

“It’s a crazy story," said Nelligan, "about love and following your heart.”

The play, a musical comedy set in ancient Rome, tells the story of a slave trying to win his freedom by helping his master find love. The play premieres Nov. 5 in AACC’s Pascal Center for the Performing Arts and runs through Nov. 14.

“It’s a classic American musical,” said theater professor Lars Tatom, who is directing the production.

Nineteen-year-old Nelligan has portrayed many small roles in previous AACC productions, such as “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” and “Urinetown The Musical,” and is excited to be playing the role of Philia, who has “actual” lines, she said.

Philia, a courtesan and slave, is the love interest of Hero, played by Tyler Zeck. She lives in the house of Marcus Lycus, played by Jerry Vess.

Pseudolus, the manipulative slave who will do anything to gain his freedom, will be played by Leabhart, who has wanted to portray him since he was a freshman two years ago. He auditioned only for that specific role, he said.

Pseudolus is the protagonist who has all the qualities of the antagonist, Leabhart said. He is loud but lovable, an over-the-top character.

A major in communications and theatre, Nelligan has wanted to become a professional actress ever since she was a young child.

“When I was in kindergarten I was watching Meryl Streep and she made me cry,” she said. “I wanted the same effect on others.”

She’s nervous when singing, but Nelligan loves performing and plans to study film in New York after graduating from Towson University.

She’s happy to be working with Tatom on this production.

“Lars is amazing!” Nelligan said. “He’s the one who got me to realize what an actor is.”

Twenty-year-old Leabhart is an art enthusiast who is majoring in theatre. Although he loves musical theater, he concentrates more on puppetry. He writes children’s scripts and owns 31 puppets. By the end of next summer, as soon as he graduates, Leabhart wants to leave Maryland for New York and become and actor. He credits AACC theater professor Robert Berry with pushing him to move forward.

“He always says, ‘Fail brilliantly and go further,’ and I intend to fail brilliantly 1,000 times,” Leabhart said.

“A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” will run on Nov. 5, 6, 11, 12, 13 at 8 p.m. and on Nov. 7 and 14 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 for general admission; $12 for seniors, AACC employees, groups and students; and $5 for AACC students with a valid student ID.