Twice a year, Academy Events provide the community an opportunity to experience a thought-provoking performance. More often than not, students’ negative attitudes spoil this event. However, we should appreciate the fact that we can assemble as an entire school and engage in post-performance dialogue.
Our lack of appreciation for the presentation stems from the Academy’s failure to educate us on the upcoming show. The Academy should make a greater effort to emphasize the significance of each event.
In light of Ailey II, a two-minute video is not a sufficient preview of a two-hour performance. If the community had been as prepared for Ailey II as it was for W.S. Merwin’s reading, perhaps there would have been a greater level of enthusiasm.
Regardless of the extent to which we were prepared, as students, we should have the maturity to respect the performance as well as the efforts that go into educating the community.