'Unique' theater has dual purpose
By MINA RELPH Kansan Staff Writer
A group of avant-garde KU actors never rehearse, use no costumes and often ignore the script for their five-minute performances.
The KU Rational Street Theatre, modeled after the street groups of Europe, tries to "delight and instruct, simultaneously," explained Don Hedrick, Oswego senior and president of the group.
The Street Theatre could be classed with many newly-created "guerilla theaters" which involve direct confrontation with audiences, he said.
"The production often can be similar to a demonstration," said Tim Averill, Topeka senior and chairman of the board of directors.
"The difference is in the element of satire or parody, not used in demonstration, which is the basis of the play."
Both Hedrick and Averill agreed that their group is similar to the guerilla theater groups in the spontaneity of the performances, but added that the purpose of their group makes it "unique in itself."
Union rebates may be grants
A commission has been set up to investigate ways that a percentage of student rebates from the Kansas Union Book Store could be set aside for scholarships.
The scholarships probably would go to needy students from minority groups, said Clif Conrad, Bismarck, N.D., senior student body president and chairman of the commission.
"We're thinking in terms of $20,000 for scholarships out of the rebates, but we want to do some research on whether many people are for it," Conrad said.
The commission has twelve members, he said, including six students and members of the Union operating board, faculty and administration.
"We want to set up some general guidelines, such as what standards we would set up for those to receive scholarships, and whether we could expand the program to include a tutorial system for students from poor high schools." Conrad said.
He said the commission will have proposals by the next All-Student Council (ASC) meeting.
"The central issue, I think, is how should the resources of the University be used," Conrad said.
CYDs must act in county politics
Collegiate Young Democrats (CYD) last night were urged by their faculty adviser to become more active in local politics and become more issue-oriented.
In a CYD meeting in the Kansas Union, adviser James Titus, associate professor of political science, said, "The refurbishing of the Democratic party must begin at the county level. There is a lot we can do right here in Douglas county."
Titus suggested the CYD participate in such issues as giving 18-year-olds the right to vote. He also suggested political "workshops" for local political officials and issues.
"What is fascinating about politics is convincing people," Titus said.
"The KU Rational Street Theatre is aimed at the middle class," said Joe Goering, Moundridge senior and member of the group. "We represent middle-class norms and values, and the content of our plays is directed mainly toward the class we represent."
Mar.12 1969 KANSAN 17
The Street Theatre is for entertainment, Goering said, but the group may take a stand on various moral issues, he said.
The "lesson" may be a statement of fact, a questioning of given situations or a moral judgment. Hedrick said.
The Street Theatre incorporates a new style presentation. Actors don't wear costumes or have elaborate props.
Goering said the group performs on campus between classes.
Goering said audiences often argue with the group's ideas. "That's just what we want them to do," he said. "We want to talk to them and have them discuss the issues."
Even its presentations reflect the nature of the group. Goering said that anyone who is interested in the group is welcome to participate in any performance, and members of the audience are invited to take part.
The group first performed
before and after the Oklahoma football game, Goering said. Since then more than ten performances have been given in a variety of places including Strong Hall.
Hedrick said the group was interested not only in getting an audience reaction, but also in personal benefit.
he said, "and the experience we can get by performing with this group can only help us in our later work."
"Most of the members are majoring in drama and theater."
The performances do not give the group any monetary benefit, Goering said.
Hedrick said the group had performed for KU classes and had received invitations to perform for various organizations, but declined
because "audiences can afford to pay for something good.
"We aren't good," he said,
"because we only do it for fun.
And we don't like to feel that we're being studied.
"Our program is unplanned, uncharted and has no definite objectives. We use no regular form or technique. The important thing is what we have to say in our productions."
'English in Action' tutor plan to aid foreign students
A chance to become better acquainted with foreign students and help them become more active part of the University is being offered by People-to-People (P-To-P).
"English in Action, the P-to-P foreign student tutoring program, is designed to help foreign students, especially those in the intensive English center," said Dave Hann, Shawne junior and chairman of homestays. The homestays program locates homes for foreign students during vacations.
Hann said no special training is needed to tutor. "We're interested in their English
"The program is designed to help students from more than just an academic approach. It also helps to create contact between American and foreign students. They get to know each other on a more personal basis," said Frank Hummer, Topeka senior and P-to-P president.
comprehension." A tutor doesn't need to go into detail.
Gracie Dexter, Topeka junior and a former tutor, said "the tutoring helped me see our culture from a different perspective.
"My tutee wanted to become a part of our culture. Having his friendship is invaluable to me."
Jose Guevara, Bolivia, said "P-to-P tutoring gives the opportunity to learn by listening and imitating the reality of life," he said.
Guevara thought the tutoring program was helpful because, he said, it gave him the opportunity to know American society through one American, his tutor.
He said he thought a special kind of person is needed to make a successful tutor.
"The process of changing to the ways of another society is not easy. This is the problem of tutoring. Changes have to be made on both sides and both sides must work at it."
- in British Tan