With registration fast approaching, the Amherst course catalog can be daunting, with many fascinating options in each department. In this sea of possibilities, it’s easy to miss some of the remarkable classes this upcoming semester has to offer. In order to hopefully alleviate some of the stress of searching, we’ve put together a collection of what we find to be some of the spring semester’s most noteworthy courses.
Ever since the first “Thor” film debuted six years ago, the franchise has always been the black sheep of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. “Thor” faltered in trying to combine Earth-based antics with the epic, Shakespearian-style storytelling of the Thor comics of the ’80s. The sequel, “Thor: The Dark World,” tried to add sci-fi elements to this mixture but in doing so lost the heart and humor that made the first movie somewhat enjoyable.
Collaboration between hip-hop artists has often led to the creation of unique and original albums. Working with another artist, regardless of their style, can elevate both parties’ performances. Artists who have similar styles can feed off of one another to create a cohesive work, while artists with contrasting styles either stick to their own approach or conform to their collaborator’s style.
On Nov. 3, the Amherst Symphony Orchestra staged its performance of acclaimed composer John Williams’ life’s work for a packed Buckley Recital Hall. The tribute came during Family Weekend, and to the delight of students and visiting families alike, the Amherst Symphony Orchestra showcased excellent interpretations of some of Williams’ greatest hits.
A hush falls across Johnson Chapel just before Route 9’s, one of the college’s all male a capella groups, Nico Langlois ’21 belts out the final high note of “For the Longest Time.” The packed chapel then bursts into a deafening roar of applause, hollers and whistles — noise coming from every row of seats.
With six a cappella groups performing at the family weekend showcase, the consensus of those present was that this year’s event was one of the best showcases yet.
My high school’s shows were riddled with gaudy set pieces, Broadway-wannabes cracking on high notes and flashy yet empty musical numbers marked by intense choreography. I can’t say I liked or disliked it, really. Theater was a thing I did, a thing I assumed I would always do. I wasn’t really good at it and I’m still not quite sure if it’s my true passion, but it was a constant in my life.
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I am still trying to figure out what exactly “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead” is about. But perhaps that in itself is exactly what the play is about.
The Green Room’s rendition of Tom Stoppard’s quirky, absurdist piece, which is a modern extrapolation on the eponymous “Hamlet” characters, embraced the original’s questioning and ambiguous air in its production last Saturday and Sunday night.
The show was put on by a small cast and crew of under 20 people. Senior Michael Barnett directed the group after pitching the play to The Green Room’s executive board.
