Inspired by 鶹ƵUniversity’s 150th anniversary, the Department of Drama in the College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) will virtually present “Impact: Past, Present, Future,” a new theatrical piece that will be performed live in a series of four staged readings, beginning on Monday, Jan. 25, at 7 p.m. Subsequent episodes will be held on Feb. 22, March 8 and March 22.
Directed by Ricky Pak, assistant professor of acting, “Impact: Past, Present, Future” is an exploration of the history of 鶹ƵUniversity and an examination of our values as an institution with a focus on diversity and inclusion.
Each episode spans 40 years of University history: 1870-1910, 1911-1950, 1951-1990 and 1991-2020 plus 10. The creative team, which includes drama students and alumni, spent the past year exploring archival documents to uncover a rich history filled with high points and low points, triumph and tragedy, humor and pathos. The result is a work that both celebrates the University and compels us to do better.
The series, which is free and open to the public, will be presented on Zoom with captioning provided. Registration is required at to receive the Zoom link. Participants will have an opportunity to take part in a dialogue with the artists.
Pak hopes that “Impact: Past, Present, Future” will inspire 150 donations to the newly established Felix E. Cochren Jr. Memorial Scholarship fund, which intends to promote a more diverse student body in the drama department by providing scholarship and financial assistance to current students who are underrepresented in the program. Cochren was a beloved associate professor of theater design and technology in the department from 2002 to 2019, when he passed away at age 68.
Donations may be made while registering for the event at or by contacting Mike Grannis, assistant director of development and alumni relations in VPA’s Office of Advancement, at 315.708.2377 or mjgranni@syr.edu.
For more information about the performances, contact Pak at rpak02@syr.edu.
