Jeff Luppino-Esposito

It has become increasingly difficult to believe in the potential for genuine originality in a world where history repeats itself and we are tricked into paying $15 to see Avatar in IMAX 3D. Fortunately, an incredibly talented group of U.Va. students are working to shatter that dreary daily paradigm. This spring, the University community will be treated to a remarkable array of entirely new student-written plays performed for very little or, in most cases, no cost, all around grounds.Read more...

With a large pile of cash and a serious commitment to overthrowing the popular sentiment that the “beer-a-mid” Chip made last weekend is the greatest work of art that U.V.a. has ever seen, the Drama-led Arts Board has brought you Big Bang! Arts Week. Delivering on its name by opening new worlds of the mind, the week has seen three truly amazing artists sharing their work and their knowledge with students and community members.Read more...

The Hoos for Haiti website has served as a hub for Wahoos and Charlottesville residents alike to keep abreast of the opportunities to help the cause and spread awareness. The first benchmark has been set at $100,000 by February 14, and while they’ve seen great success so far, the work has only just begun. By giving 100% of donations collected straight to Partners in Health, the American Red Cross, UNICEF, and GHESKIO, Hoos for Haiti is empowering those most capable in this recovery stage.Read more...

The process is simple—due to technological development and other broad social generalizations, the ephemeral nature of every cultural movement is severely heightened. To help you navigate the messy world of pop culture, we’ve assembled four once-hip things that no longer make the grade, plus we’ve added acceptable alternatives for the future.

1. Swine FluRead more...

To make Shakespeare sound like gibberish is no feat. To make gibberish sound like Shakespeare is The Foreigner’s triumph.

The U.Va. Drama Department has struck a season-opening winner with an outrageously hilarious and refreshingly human performance of Larry Shue’s pointed comedy, The Foreigner. Weaved seamlessly together by director Richard Warner, an all-star ensemble cast delivers countless moments of unadulterated joy that leave the audience begging for more at every blackout.Read more...

I want Julia Roberts to take me to Neverland, and I don’t think I’m alone.

Try walking past a playground without sensing the pangs of nostalgia in your side (is that nostalgia or just a Harry-Potter-esque swelling of my scars from getting my ass kicked by the kids who didn’t think it was cool that I had choreographed a dance to R. Kelly’s “I Believe I Can Fly” in 3rd grade?).

Despite these warm feelings, no matter how hard we attempt to recreate the magic of childhood, some things never seem to fully translate. Especially the games.Read more...