Volume 152 • Issue 1
The Newspaper of Amherst College Since 1868
Wednesday, March 29, 2023
By Alex Brandfonbrener '23
March 29, 2023
Green Room presented its Ten Minute Play Festival, celebrating student theater with four original plays. Managing Arts & Living Editor Alex Brandfonbrener ʼ23 gives his thoughts on the productions’ humor and whismy.
By Kobe Thompson '24
Jerome Raymond ʼ24 is a singer-songwriter with an upcoming EP, “Monochromatic.” 3 C’s Columnist Kobe Thompson ʼ24 speaks with Raymond about his path into music, from quarantine to streaming services.
By Madeline Lawson '25
The Choral Society performed their Spring Concert last Saturday, featuring pieces written by Amherst community members and honoring the group’s graduating seniors.
By Vaughn Armour '25
“Survivor” expert Vaughn Armour ’25 breaks down this week’s episode, which took a sudden turn when contestants were forced to swap tribes.
By Nora Lowe '26
Nora Lowe ’26 dives into the clever but enigmatic mind of the Eastern gray squirrel in this week’s Amherst STEM Network x The Student: Are gray squirrels smart because they adapt, or do they adapt because they’re smart?
By Willow Delp '26
“Rainforest Gothic,” a poem by Willow Delp ʼ26, is featured in this week’s edition of The Lilac x The Student.
By Ivy Haight ’25
In this edition of Val Hacks, Columnist Ivy Haight ’25 cooks up a recipe for cinnamon rolls! This super simple recipe only has four ingredients, but the results are delicious.
By Noor Rahman '25
March 22, 2023
On March 21, the photography exhibition “Envisioning Lebanon: a country between collapse and revolution” premiered in Frost Library. Managing Arts & Living Editor Noor Rahman ’25 details the exhibition, which portrays the tension between revolution and normalcy in Lebanon.
By Tiia McKinney '25
The sixth Black Art Matters Festival celebrated the work of Black student artists over two days, spanning musical performances, poetry, dance, and visual art exhibitions.
Originally published in the Fall 2022 edition of “The Indicator,” Managing Arts & Living Editor Madeline Lawson ’25 writes about an all-encompassing obsession.
By Pauline Bissell ’25
Pauline Bissell ’25 speaks wistfully about an old relationship in a poem originally published in the Fall 2022 edition of “The Indicator.”
You may have survived spring break, but did you survive without last week’s “Survivor”? Columnist Vaughn Armour ’25 recaps the last two episodes, which solidified some relationships and tensions in this season.
By Ruth Zuraw ’25
March 8, 2023
On Sunday, the Academy Awards will laud winners for short films. Ruth Zuraw ’25 reviews each film in the live action and animation categories, providing her recommendations for short movie nights.
By Joe Sweeney '25
AC Production Company premiered its first film “The Milk Man” on Saturday, Feb. 18. Staff Writer Joe Sweeney ’25 is ambivalent towards the mockumentary, which follows a student who makes the best milkshake Amherst College has ever seen.
By Sylvie Wolff '25
Feminine rage has long been a topic of Fiona Apple’s music, particularly in her 2020 album “Fetch the Bolt Cutters.” Sylvie Wolff ’25 explores the harsh and experimental album that implores women to speak out.
By Alden Parker ’26
In this edition of Time-Warped Records, Columnist Alden Parker ’26 reviews Moby’s 1999 album “Play,” which catapulted the musician from has-been to worldwide superstar.
“Survivor” returns with a brand new season! Resident fan and Staff Writer Vaughn Armour ’25 recaps the episode, filled with unexpected medical incidents and drama from the get-go.
The inaugural edition of The Lilac x The Student, brought to you by The Poetry Club and the Arts & Living section, features “Nothing Entire,” a poem by Joe Sweeney ’25.
Val Hacker Ivy Haight ’25 presents her latest culinary masterpiece. Use this recipe the next time you’re wrestling with the perennial question: Should I eat a pizza or a bagel?
March 1, 2023
In this edition of 3 C’s, Columnist Kobe Thompson ’24 talks with Lauren Dinhofer ’23, a multi-talented musician who has cultivated her craft since an early age.
By Mackenzie Dunson '25
White saviors are a common trope in the entertainment industry. Contributing Writer Mackenzie Dunson ’25 analyzes the problematic history and consequences of Hollywood’s reliance on white saviors, derailing narratives that should be centered around people of color.
In this edition of Amherst STEM Network x The Student, Nora Lowe ’26 explains the surprising benefits of parasocial relationships. Check out Amherst STEM Network’s website (amherststemnetwork.com) for more.
By Aidan Cooper '26
Staff Writer at The Indicator Aidan Cooper ’26 illustrates the blending of two lives.
By Awa Diop '26
Staff Writer at The Indicator Awa Diop ’26 portrays the fleeting friendship between two girls in an African braiding salon in “Braid Us.”
Ivy Haight ’25 presents your new favorite breakfast food in this edition of Val Hacks. Follow her simple recipe for a delicious breakfast burrito to make your mornings more savory (and sweet?)
By Leo Kamin '25
February 22, 2023
On Monday, Amherst Cinema screened “Turn Every Page,” a documentary about the long-running professional relationship between editor Robert Gottlieb and writer Robert Caro. Managing News Editor Leo Kamin ’25 recaps the event, which included a discussion with director Lizzie Gottlieb ’93.
In this edition of Time-Warped Records, Columnist Alden Parker ’26 reviews “Hot Fuss,” reflecting on the musical themes and young adult angst that helped propel The Killers’ debut album to success.
By Davis Rennella '24
On Saturday, the Eighmy Powerhouse hosted back-to-back performances featuring the musical ensembles Gemini and Modality. Staff Writer Davis Rennella ’24 reviews the contrasting performances, from Gemini’s evocative musical landscapes to Modality’s unorthodox improvisation.
By Olivia Lynch '25
This weekend, the Theater & Dance Department debuted Sterling Kee ’23’s senior thesis performance “Myths and Hymns,” which explores themes of self-discovery and the human relationship to the divine. Olivia Lynch ’25 reflects on the transcendent nature of the performance.
In this edition of Val Hacks, Staff Writer Ivy Haight ‘25 makes creative use of the soft serve machine and the waffle station for her customizable milkshake recipe. Mix and match your favorite flavors and toppings for an unforgettable culinary experience!
February 15, 2023
“Ancestral Bridges,” a new exhibit that premiered in Frost last week, maps the history of a sixth-generation Black and Afro-Indigenous family in Amherst. Managing Arts & Living Editor Noor Rahman ’25 covers the opening reception, which features a photo gallery and historical artifacts.
Kobe Thompson ’24 sits down with Gregory R. Smith III ’25, a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter who has recently risen in popularity, to discuss his process and his journey as a self-made musician.
Last month, DC Studios announced the first chapter of their upcoming extended universe, with plans for ten new projects. Vaughn Armour ’25 sees this as the studio’s final attempt to shift towards a more cohesive and distinct cinematic universe.
“Val Hacks” is a column dedicated to exploring the culinary possibilities of Valentine Dining Hall. This week, Ivy Haight ’25 presents her recipe for strawberry shortcake.
February 8, 2023
Students, staff, and faculty gathered in Valentine Hall for the “Campus Art for All Inaugural Exhibition,” featuring work from students and staff. Managing Arts and Living Editor Alex Brandfonbrener ’23 breaks down the story behind the event’s inception, as well as the artists’ inspirations.
On Feb. 4, the Music Department produced two senior theses: “The Second Seed,” a composition thesis by Sam Wright ’23, and “Einheitswanderschaft,” a vocal thesis by Patrick Spoor ’23.
In his inaugural edition of Time-Warped Records, Alden Parker ’26 reviews Paul Simon’s 1986 album “Graceland,” detailing Simon’s experience recording in South Africa during apartheid.
By Ross Kilpatrick '24E
“Avatar: The Way of Water” is the eagerly anticipated sequel to “Avatar,” but it left some fans wanting more. Ross Kilpatrick ’24E criticizes the film’s use of propaganda and uninspired writing.
By Dustin Copeland '25
In this piece, originally published in The Indicator's Fall 2022 issue, Senior Managing Editor Dustin Copeland ’25 tries to remember a bridge from his childhood.
By Priscilla Lee '25
Originally published in the Fall 2022 edition of the Indicator, Priscilla Lee ’25 writes about the experiences of young filmmakers in Hong Kong.
By Theo Hamilton '23
December 7, 2022
On Nov. 29, Shahruz Ghaemi ’19 hosted a screening of “Hostages,” a documentary series about the Iranian hostage crisis. Senior Managing Editor Theo Hamilton ’23 reflects on the series, on which Ghaemi worked as an archival producer.
Kobe Thompson ’24 sits down with Freeman Rabb ’25 to discuss their latest EP, “At A Catalyst,” how they create and name their work, and the friends and other artists who have provided inspiration along the way.
This past weekend, Ghostlight presented “Workshop,” a play written and directed by Miles Garcia ’25. Joe Sweeney ’25 reviews the piece, expressing appreciation for its treatment of the unsaid.
Ahead of the end of the semester, many music, theater and dance groups at Amherst had their final performances … so many that we couldn’t cover them all! Here’s a quick recap of some of this week’s noteworthy events.
On Dec. 1 to 3, the Theater and Dance Department produced “In Worlds, As If,” a joint thesis project from Hee Won Youn ‘23, Nick Govus ‘23E, and Julian Brown ‘23. The multimedia performance portrayed a haunting dream with unsettling imagery.
“Wakanda Forever,” the much-anticipated sequel to “Black Panther,” is a film that delves into the complexities of Black grief. While largely successful, Mackenzie Dunson ’25 says the film could have had a stronger antagonist, rather than pitting POC communities against one another.
“The Banshees of Inisherin” follows a man who cuts off his best friend for reasons seemingly unknown. Ross Kilpatrick ’24E reviews the darkly humorous and deeply reflective film.
By Kei Lim '25
Kei Lim ’25 explores the impacts of grief, love, and abandonment in a piece originally published in the Spring 2022 edition of the Indicator.
By Gabby Avena '25
Originally published in the Spring 2022 edition of the Indicator, Gabby Avena ’25 writes about the premature loss of innocence that comes with growing up as a woman.
In episode 11 of “Survivor,” the contestants faced one of their most strenuous challenges to date. Vaughn Armour ’25 reviews the episode, which featured the downfall of one of his favorite players.
November 30, 2022
Starting this Thursday, Dec. 1, studio art major Emma Spencer’s ’23E thesis show, “So, What’s a Nice Girl Like You Doing In A Place Like This?” will be available for viewing. Spencer’s project, consisting of both photography and film, catalogues the stories of female Vietnam War veterans.
In this edition of 3 C’s, Kobe Thompson ’24 sits down with rapper Kiiren Jackson ’24 to discuss an upcoming project that’s been years in the making.
Vaughn Armour ’25 reviews the last two episodes of “Survivor,” detailing the rise and fall of one competitor and some of this season’s best strategic plays.
November 16, 2022
For the inaugural edition of 3 C’s (Context, Creation, Come-Up), Kobe Thompson ’24 interviews musician Alex Russell ’23 ahead of his debut album “Stardust,” exploring his influences and creative process.
By Eren Levine '24
Last weekend, Amherst College and Mount Holyoke College Dance Departments presented their Fall Faculty Dance Concert. Eren Levine ’24 reviews the performances, reflecting on each piece’s individuality.
By Cole Warren '24
Charlotte Wells’ new film “Aftersun” is a visual representation of the cracks in our memories. Cole Warren ’24 reviews the movie, which follows a daughter reflecting on her father’s death upon becoming a mother herself.
In episode eight of “Survivor,” this season’s potential victors begin to reveal themselves. Vaughn Armour ’25 tracks the up-and-coming competitors and one contestant’s personal backstory.
By Mariana Rivera-Donsky ’25
Mariana Rivera-Donsky ’25 depicts a lonesome woman in “Untitled,” a short story originally published in the Spring 2022 issue of The Indicator.
By Gracie Rowland ’25
Gracie Rowland ’25 explores lost hopes and dreams in “Broken Hinges,” a poem originally published in the Spring 2022 issue of The Indicator.
November 9, 2022
For Family Weekend, Amherst musical ensembles collaborated on a performance to celebrate 100 years since voting rights were extended to women in the U.S. Managing Arts and Living Editor Alex Brandfonbrener ’23 recounts the powerful and thought-provoking concert.
Green Room’s production of “The Birdcage” flew in for Family Weekend. Managing Arts and Living Editor Alex Brandfonbrener ’23 reviews the show, which aptly follows a young couple and the contentious union of their two families.
By Sarah Weiner '24
The UMass Dance Department presented a reproduction of “Scheherazade,” featuring dancers from all Five Colleges. Assistant Arts and Living Editor ’24 Sarah Weiner recaps the performance, which put forth a strong commentary on gender and power.
By Erin Williams '26
Henry Selick, creator of iconic stop-motion animation films like “Coraline,” teamed up with Jordan Peele for “Wendell & Wild.” Erin Williams ’26 reviews the movie, which can sometimes feel bloated but is nonetheless an enjoyable ride.
In episode 7 of “Survivor,” castaways voted out the last member before jury. Vaughn Armour ’25 recaps the hilarious challenges and unexpected revelations that lead to a shocking elimination.
November 2, 2022
Ross Kilpatrick ’24E reflects on the presidential inauguration of the Michael A. Elliott and the complex division between faculty and students at elite academic institutions.
By Pho Vu '23
On Saturday, Oct. 29, a stampede in the Itaewon district of Seoul, South Korea, claimed over 150 lives. Pho Vu ’23 reflects on the tragedy in Itaewon, a place that she herself has frequented.
Green Room’s first production of the semester, “Cars: A Parody,” debuted on Oct. 21. Assistant Arts and Living Editor Noor Rahman ’25 reviews the show, noting the talent of the cast and the wit of the writing.
By Brianne LaBare '25
Taylor Swift’s latest album, “Midnights,” dropped last week to online buzz and record sales. Managing Arts and Living Editor and resident Taylor Swift expert Brianne LaBare ’25 analyzes Swift’s newest work.
By Miles Garcia '25
Carly Rae Jepsen’s latest album “The Loneliest Time” was released on Oct. 21, 2022. Miles Garcia ’25 details the well-rounded album’s sparse weaknesses and many strengths.
In episode six of “Survivor,” tensions between contestants intensify as the merge episode approaches. Vaughn Armour ’25 critiques their strategy, and details this episode’s surprises.
Episode five of “Survivor” included a historically loathed twist and narrowed the castaway pool. Vaughn Armour ’25 describes his viewing experience, which was at times agonizing.
By Victoria Thomas '25
Concerts have returned in full force, but are they as impactful as iconic pop performances of the past? Victoria Thomas ’25 reflects on her recent experiences seeing Harry Styles and Bruno Mars live.
By A'Cora Hickson '25
A’Cora Hickson ’25 portrays the realization of internalized emotions in “There is no stopping Her,” a poem originally published in the Spring 2022 issue of The Indicator.
By Jackeline Fernandes '24
Jackeline Fernandes ’24 imagines a strained relationship between father and daughter in “6:43 P.M.,” a story originally published in the Spring 2022 issue of The Indicator.
October 19, 2022
Joe Sweeney ’25 celebrates the end of Ghibli Fest 2022 by discussing some of his favorite Studio Ghibli films and ranking them all for new and veteran fans alike.
“The Try Guys” cheating scandal, which revealed that Ned Fulmer cheated on his wife with a coworker, recently went viral. Willow Delp ’26 critiques the “wife guy” archetype, a man who uses his wife to endear himself to others.
Disney’s newest live-action remake, “The Little Mermaid,” starring Halle Bailey, released its first trailer last month to mixed reactions. Mackenzie Dunson ’25 breaks down the racist criticisms against Bailey’s casting and emphasizes the importance of Black representation.
The fourth episode of Survivor was released on Oct. 12. Vaughn Armour ’25 recaps the episode’s unexpected outcomes and cursed victories.
October 13, 2022
K’s Nutrition is Amherst’s newest health bar. Pho Vu ’23 sat down with owner Bryant Keeney to discuss the menu and exciting upcoming plans and additions.
To inaugurate the start of the spooky season, Managing Arts and Living Editor Alex Brandfonbrener ’23 presents an eerie story about a mother and her daughter.
Who doesn’t love a comeback story? Assistant Arts and Living Editor Noor Rahman ’25 reviews “The Redeem Team,” a documentary that recounts the U.S. Basketball Team’s victory at the 2008 Olympics.
Eren Levine ’24 reviews “Apples Never Fall” by Liane Moriarty, a multi-dimensional mystery novel that should be at the top of your reading list.
The third episode of “Survivor 43” is out! Vaughn Armour ’25 dissects the episode’s emotional twists and turns.
October 5, 2022
Amherst’s newest theater group, Ghostlight, premiered their “Triple Feature” this week. Managing Arts and Living Editor Alex Brandfonbrener ’23 discusses the trio of student productions, which each featured original scripts and casts.
On Oct. 1, the Amherst Symphony Orchestra held its first performance of the semester. Managing Arts and Living Editor Madeline Lawson ’25 recaps the concert, which welcomed the Class of 2026 and President Michael Elliott to Amherst.
By Piero Campos '25
This Hispanic Heritage Month, Piero Campos ’25 highlights five members of Amherst’s Latinx community. They discuss their connections with their cultures and how they explore their heritage at Amherst.
By Mikayah Parsons '24
Poetic Perspectives returns with Mikayah Parsons’ ’24 “Writing My Body,” an exploration of abortion rights and bodily autonomy.
By Mase Peterson '23E
“The Bear” has captivated viewers with a grounded, gritty depiction of kitchen work. Mase Peterson ’23E uses the show to reflect on their experiences in food service and their perspective as a student with marginalized identities.
Davis Rennella ’24 reviews Academy Award-winning filmmaker Ron Howard’s new movie, “Thirteen Lives,” a dramatized account of the mission to rescue a boy’s soccer team trapped in a flooded cave in Thailand.
Season 43 of “Survivor” is in full swing! Vaughn Armour ’25 recaps the second episode, which revealed heartfelt backstories and surprising twists.
Neko Case’s music transcends genre and generation. WAMH e-board member Sylvie Wolff ’25 reflects on two of the artist's albums, tracking their presence in her life.
Originally published in The Indicator’s Spring 2022 issue “Break,” “Till Some Blind Hand Shall Brush My Wing” by Joe Sweeney ’25 explores a man’s reflections on loss while waiting for a flight.
By Sam Spratford ’24
Sam Spratford ’24 reflects on love, adolescence, and lost hopes in “the breakfast date (break, fast!),” a poem originally published in the Spring 2022 issue of The Indicator.
September 28, 2022
Jason Moran, the college’s first 2022-2023 Presidential Scholar, is an award-winning jazz pianist who spent the last week hosting a series of masterclasses and lectures on campus. Assistant Arts & Living Editor Noor Rahman ‘25 breaks down his final event, featuring a panel and concert.
The Emily Dickinson Museum’s annual “Tell It Slant” Festival featured discussions and workshops led by acclaimed poets. Assistant Arts & Living Editor Sarah Weiner ’24 reviews one of the headlining events, “Poetry Isn’t Perfect: A Publication Panel with The Common.”
“Survivor” has returned for its highly anticipated Season 43! Vaughn Armour ’25 recaps the season premiere, which highlighted the lineup of new players and their diverse backgrounds.
By Jacob Young '25
September 21, 2022
Piper Mohring ’25 and Caden Stockwell ’25 showed their short film this past Saturday, Sept. 17, to a full house in Keefe Theater. Jacob Young ’25 reviews the film, which was narrated in French by Community Service Officer Merouane Daffar and filmed in Paris.
In this edition of Val Hacks, Pho Vu ’23 whips up a frappe in an effort to emulate Starbucks’ classic and delectable drinks.
“The Sandman,” a comic series written by Neil Gaiman, recently received a Netflix adaptation. Ross Kilpatrick ’24E reviews the comic, which thrills with cosmic ideology but sometimes suffers from a slow plot.
By Helen Feibes '23
Arlie’s “BREAK THE CURSE” is the band’s debut album, taking listeners on a journey full of nostalgia and relief. WAMH Publicity Director Helen Feibes ’23 reviews the album and relives her beloved band’s live concert in Cambridge.
