By Benjamin J.N. Harrison
Whether in spirit or through direct referencing, much of modern runway fashion has, relatively recently, began toying with the aesthetics of punk and DIY. Whether it’s brands such as Vivienne Westwood that try to encapsulate the zeal of 1970s British anti-establishment youth, or houses like Maison Margiela that place heavy emphasis on repurposing and bringing new life to the old, critiques of the consumeristic roots of fashion have seen a general increase within the industry since the 1980s. Even garments referencing prominent left-wing and anti-capitalist bands such as the Sex Pistols and Television have been on the runway for houses Raf Simons and Undercover respectively. It might strike some as strange, when they see an embrace of anti-capitalism in an industry that thrives on the most animalistic of human consumption habits. With incessantly exploitative labor conditions and insane price-points, high fashion is practically the antithesis of the punk and DIY spirit. Sure, a genuine appreciation of the artistry involved in such fashion houses is easy to develop, but one cannot deny that it is hypocritical, rude even, to market garments of an anti-establishment aesthetic at prices only the very wealthy can afford. Artists, which fashion designers are, have been critiquing upper society for centuries, and there is nothing wrong with that. In fact, artists should be encouraged to use their talents to view the bourgeois with a critical eye. In the instance of anti-establishment aesthetics in fashion, it is the medium and industry that are in conflict with the artistic sentiment. If fashion weren’t such a necessarily classist and consumeristic medium, perhaps anti-capitalist sentiments would make more sense. As for now, however, massive conglomerates will continue to profit off of aesthetic choices that, in spirit, clash with their business practices.
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![]() Waitress: The Hit Broadway Musical is playing in Vancouver at Queen Elizabeth theatre from November 12 to November 17th. I got the opportunity to attend a performance. This musical stars Jenna, a waitress at a diner with a talent for baking pies. In addition to marriage problems, Jenna has to deal with an unplanned pregnacy. On top of that she finds herself falling for her new doctor. I enjoyed the songs and the storyline. The songs were written by Sara Bareilles, and are so catchy. I was listening to the soundtrack in the car ride home. The backdrop was so beautiful and puts you into the story. I thought it was very cool how the backdrop changed colours to reflect the time of day. The musical was really well done. The background actors would make very subtle but synchronized movements that just added to the production. You could really see the hard work put into producing this play. I would highly recommend anyone that enjoys a feel-good musical with great music to watch it. -Krishma S. Fall is officially here and that means it is time to go out and shop for the latest trends in fashion. This fall/winter has an interesting runway collection. This article consists of a few of the latest styles that we will be seeing this season. Starting off, we have capes. Yes, capes, like the things superheros wear. Though, the capes that will be in stores won't be as cool as superhero capes they have the same kind of idea. It's a chic alternative to wearing a coat and you will still be cozy out in the cold autumn air. Next, we have the asymmetrical neckline. Off-the-shoulders are so last year, now it is time for slanted necklines. Maybe we will be seeing some moody floral printed slanted necklines, which are also in style this season. Moody refers to the more typical fall shades like the darker tones. Furthermore, we have leather on leather. Personally, I am not a fan of this because I feel this texture is better as an accentuated piece that draws attention rather than the whole ensemble. I am excited for the next one though, which is plaid. Bringing back a bit of 90's into our wardrobes can be a great thing. These were a few of the latest trends that will be everywhere this fall/winter. Overall, I am quite excited and will definitely be making a dent in my bank account soon.
-Ayesha MarieClaire.com/fashion/g28210185/fall-fashion-trends-2019 By Ben J.N. Harrison
René Descartes’ 1637 Discourse on Method begins with the assertion that ‘good sense is the most evenly shared thing in the world’. He goes on to say that the reason for human disagreement is not because some have better reason than others, but simply because each conducts their thoughts along different paths. The question that thus arises is on which path should one conduct their thoughts? Descartes elaborated, stating that mere possession of a good mind is not enough, and that each must find the right method to use their mind, in order to eventually reach truth. Here, Descartes’ method emerges. In the following paper, it will be explained what precisely the Cartesian method entails in a lucid and unequivocal manner. Descartes’ method consists of but four rules. The first is perhaps what Descartes is most famous for; doubt. Cartesian doubt is what produced the famous saying Cogito ergo sum – translating into ‘I think therefore I am’ – a metaphysical principle Descartes wrote intended to serve as an affirmation of one’s existence. But beyond this one clever, albeit overused and constantly misunderstood principle, what exactly does Cartesian doubt entail? Well simply put, Cartesian doubt, and the first rule of the Cartesian method, is not accepting anything as true unless it is indubitably true. Truth in this case, must be unequivocal; no doubt can linger about the object in question. In other words, everything perceived distinctly and clearly is true. Clearness, in this case, means not just a feeling of an object’s truth, but an ability to give some sort of account of an object’s truth. Moreover, distinctness in this case, means the ability to distinguish the object from other ideas or concepts analogous to the object. Descartes muses in later chapters of the Discourse on how human senses can deceive, and that we must be absolutely certain of everything we believe to be true. Descartes himself was profoundly fascinated by the ability mathematics had to be so certain. Rule two of the Cartesian method is best summed up by one word; analysis. Descartes believed that to truly work problems through, we must divide each problem into parts and work on each individual part independently. Before moving on to the next part of a problem, we must have a clear and sure understanding of that which came before. The third rule of Descartes’ method is conducting thoughts in the simplest possible way. By this, Descartes meant that when confronted with problems, we must solve them in somewhat of an order, starting with the simplest parts first, before climbing up and eventually understanding the complex whole. Finally in the Cartesian method is the recording of everything. When working through problems, Descartes thought it was imperative to keep track of everything done by documentation of some sort. To Descartes, this mattered immensely because if one wanted to go back and figure out what happened when, one can readily do so. Moreover, this is important in the case that one makes an error or folly, so that one can go back and locate it to solve it. The synthesis of these four parts is essentially Descartes’ method. It is perhaps the most important thing to understand about Descartes, as he used this method to conduct his thoughts in all his works. I hope I have made it as unequivocal as possible. Often when one reads philosophy, one can stumble across nebulosity and equivocation. My goal here, then, was to eliminate any confusion whatever about the Cartesian method. Further Reading: Descartes, René. Translated by Sutcliffe, F.E. Discourse on Method and the Meditations. England, Penguin Books, 1984. South Delta runs a musical show every year. Last year they did High school musical and this year it's Oklahoma. The story is set in 1902 in Oklahoma; a state in the works. X blocks Musical theatre Company, Pit Band, and Theatre Production have been working hard to put the pieces together and create an amazing piece of artistry. It's a good chance to come together as a school and to support each other. Hope a lot of people come watch the show and enjoy it!
By Siha Pyo On Friday, November 25, 92 students from SDSS went to The Metro Theatre in Vancouver to see the musical "Elf". The musical was produced by Delta Youth Theatre. Ms Neff, is the musical director. Ms. Neff is also a teacher at SDSS.
Submitted by Hope Carriere ![]() Halloween is just around the corner. it's a time when you get to become someone you are not. Halloween is only once a year, so why not make it the best it can be, starting with the best costume. Have you ever seen movies like the lord of the rings, walking dead or harry potter? have you ever wondered how they made golem look so scrawny or how they made people look like they have their bones sticking out or something like that? well now is your chance to learn special effects makeup. what you will need: Cups Brushes protumiume Jelly Pros Aide or spirit gum Adhesive Remover99% Isopropyl Alcohol 6oz Paint Palette (face paint) Bald Cap (maybe) flour liquid latex you may need: foundation that meets your skin tone sponges ceral any kind of makeup wigs clay sculpting tools tooth picks oil/ acrilic paint sand paper permanent marker expressionless mask/ face cast /body cast the list goes on, be creative the possibilities are endless In September, Delta School District made an exciting new addition to their many academies: Opera!
You're probably thinking 'Opera? You mean a fat lady wearing a viking hat standing on stage while high-pitched yelling? No thank you!' But modern day opera is much different. Opera is a way to tell stories through music. Opera combines two beloved elements of society with talented musicians, actors and artists to make an unforgettable experience. The Opera Academy is a way to learn about and be a part of the performing arts world. Weather your passion is singing, makeup or directing, there's a place for you in the world of Opera. Through the academy, us students have had the opportunity to speak and work with several professionals from various fields, get to see a live opera, and write and perform our own musical! We are currently creating a script and adapting songs to make our own musical, titled 'Exam Time: The Popera Musical'. We are re-writing the lyrics to opera, pop and musical theatre songs to work with our original story about ordinary high school students. It's been really exciting writing our own story and dialogue as well as learning and choreographing ten different songs. The performance will be December 7th at the genesis theatre, and tickets are free! For more information on opera and the academy go to https://deltaoperaacademy.com/ Actors and crew are currently hard at work on this year's play, Legally Blonde: The Musical. While actors learn the dances with the help of Mrs. Neff, crew are planning out the stage, building props and painting. Tickets for students and staff will go on sale beginning Friday, April 10th. Shows run Friday, May 1st to Friday, May 8th, with matinees the first three days, excluding the weekend.
Aamenah Meghjee After auditions taking place the second week of January, actors and crew members alike have already started working on this year's musical, Legally Blonde. Maude Greene took the well-deserved role of Elle Woods, the lead in the play. Co-starring with her is Hunter Lang as Warner Huntington the Third and Will Shelling as Emmett Forrest. Definitely my favourite character, Paulette Bonafonte, went to Emma White with her hilarious accent. After reading through the script read last week, actors are currently going through blocking; learning where to stand and move on stage. Crew is working hard as well with Richard Cox once again directing the play while Grade 12 Tristan West is stage manager. This year's play will certainly be one to remember!
Aamenah Meghjee |
All sorts of arts-related
activities happening at SDSS Archives
January 2020
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