‘Something wicked this way comes’: Macbeth - a Theatre Group production

Deadlines out the way – check.

Halloween creep in the air – check.

Dark, chilly, winter night – check.

This is the perfect recipe to go see a play; and what better play to see than the University Theatre Group’s Macbeth.   

Potentially Shakespeare’s darkest production was incredibly apt for a bitterly cold night after Halloween. To say I was excited was an understatement, like a typical English Literature student my heart holds a tender love for Shakespeare. I even have Shakespeare word poetry fridge magnets – my housemates and I try to make our own breakfast masterpieces. Nothing great has transpired so far, I guess it’s something best left to experts.

As is the acting - my Year Six production of Macbeth left a lot to be desired compared to this wonderful show.

Cam Bevan, who played Macbeth, stole the show (and my heart). He was INCREDIBLE. Within seconds you forgot that you were watching a university production, in a lecture theatre, and that all these actors and actresses are full time students with other commitments and responsibilities. The sheer dedication that must have been given was inspiring, there were no slip-ups with language – in fact they managed to make the sometimes unintelligible vocabulary perfectly comprehensible; their expressions and passion told the story. I can’t imagine how difficult it would be to learn a whole script, especially one with long soliloquies, but to learn one in a language which is unfamiliar is even more admirable.

There must have been some lines which they loved to say:

“Out, damn spot”

“Bubble, bubble, toil and trouble”

“Is this a dagger I see before me?”

And so many more – lines which I recognised but didn’t know until now were from Macbeth. It is impressive really, how indelibly Shakespeare’s words have impregnated themselves into our consciousness. So much so that despite being hundreds of years old this play is still being performed in university theatres up and down the country, and people of course still want to watch it, because they still appreciate the timeless talent within the play. Sometimes I overthink things, but it is the notion of a piece of art enduring so long which makes the act of watching it ever more powerful.

Anyhow, I digress… Not only was Macbeth incredible, so was Lady Macbeth (Amy Fitzgibbon)! I had forgotten how dark and treacherous this play was until I saw her. Callous and ruthlessly ambitious initially, yet gradually fading into madness.  I found her captivating. As I did the whole play - the murder of Macduff’s child in front of his wife sent shivers down me, to act such raw emotion was undoubtedly incredible – indeed, I felt like a vulgar spectator on someone else’s grief. Similarly when Macduff heard news of their murder his reaction was heart wrenching – now I know I am of the emotional sort, but I implore anyone not to be moved by their performance!

There are so many elements of the play I would like to comment on – the terrifying sightless witches (literally, I was so scared!), the hilarity of the drunken guard which allowed for a brief interlude to all the murder and wickedness – I particularly enjoyed his quasi-crowd participation, the impressively choreographed sword fighting, and of course, the music and lighting which was faultless.

I beg everyone to go and see this play, not only because Shakespeare is our national inheritance and we enjoy every opportunity we have to see it, and not only because it is put on by our University and we should support such local ventures, but because it is BRILLIANT. 

So go see it; do something a bit cultural, a bit different, and I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.

It’s running in the Annex Theatre at 7:30pm until Saturday 3 November. Tickets are available from SUSU Box Office, or on the door.

Florence

Santander Spanish Classes – 2012

After the second semester exams this year in June (which really were quite taxing for me with loads of assignment deadlines close to the examination date and five examinations with three of them back-to-back), I desperately needed a break. So I treated myself to a holiday to Italy and France and I will write about those experiences at a later date. On return from the much deserved vacation, I realised that my postgraduate classmates had already begun working on their dissertation and with the interim project presentation just ten days away, I began to panic. Ideally, I should have relaxed for a couple of days after the vacation and shaken off the inertia (posted all my excellent snaps on Facebook, checked the number of likes and replied on the comments) before I could gear up for my next goal i.e. the presentation. However, I did not have any such luxury. Ten days of hard work and I was ready dressed in a suit outside the lecture theatre for my presentation. The words of praise from the project supervisor meant that he was convinced and in turn, I was happy. I knew that the rest of the summer would be spent working for my dissertation. However, the summer got a kick-start with an opportunity to attend the Santander Spanish classes. Undoubtedly, the Spanish course was one of the best things I did this summer.

My love for the Spanish language dates back to my school days. However, being a science student in India hardly leaves any time for you to pursue such desires. One finishes school, joins university and gets busier day by day. Therefore, I had made up my mind that I would push my luck and somehow do a Spanish language course here at the University as the Centre for Foreign Languages at the Avenue Campus is one of the best in the world. During the initial few days here at Southampton, I remember visiting the Avenue Campus and putting in an application for a Spanish language stage 1 course. I did attend the lectures for two weeks with the most fabulous instructor Cristina G Hermoso. But I was disappointed when I got a message from the Programme Co-ordinator asking me to reconsider my decision of undergoing a foreign language, as the masters course I was enrolled in was quite intensive and thus, would leave me no time for any other course. I remember speaking to a friend of mine that evening and telling him that “Maybe, God does not want me to learn Spanish” and thus rested my case of learning Spanish by shifting the blame on to God and forgot all about it in a few days.

An email from the Career Destinations team in May asking for applicants for a fully funded Spanish course from Santander revived my love for the language. Santander Universities sponsors Spanish language training for a select number of Southampton students. Career Destinations, in collaboration with the Centre for Language Studies runs two beginner-level, intensive Spanish language courses in June. Students need to attend lectures for two hours in the morning and two hours in the afternoon for a week and also complete a self-study project at the weekend, besides three hours of self-study daily. Well, I did apply and very meticulously drafted my statement of purpose and was glad to get a call during my vacation in Italy that I was selected. To say the least, I was overjoyed.

I had enrolled for course 2 and it began on 20 June. I was greeted by a group of students from various disciplines; Humanities, Medicine, Geography, Electronics and Computer Science and Business. There were students from first, second and third year and two masters students including me and even a PhD student. In short, it was a good mix of students from various faculties of the University. The course began with an introduction from the ever-enthusiastic instructor Cristina. She warned us that we needed to progress on a daily basis to be able to cope with the class and also advised us that we should make the most of the opportunity as we were selected amidst a number of applicants.

It was indeed a very hectic course and I realised this as the days progressed. It was simpler to grasp for students who knew French, Greek or Portuguese but not so very easy for me (an English speaker) and one could see the students from Japan and Vietnam struggling as it was really very different for them. However, our instructor made the course as much fun for us as possible with speaking lessons, conversation tutorials, participation games and a few competitions to keep the interest alive and kicking.

All smiles - Santander Course 2 students with the instructor

As the week drew to an end, we realised that time had indeed flown. We had made some great friends and spent some wonderful moments together. There was so much to learn from each and every one of them. We had an oral exam on the last day and we really needed to practise hard for that. However, it went well and the instructor was happy with our performance. I was really grateful to the University which gives so many opportunities to a student to learn and perform. At last, my wish of learning Spanish was fulfilled and I realised that it was not all that difficult. Better late than never!

Rohit

Food glorious food!

Food is a huge part of student life: communal cooking, budget food shopping, learning recipes and keeping healthy when studying. Food has always been something that brings people together, and that doesn’t change at University.

Communal cooking started regularly in my flat in my first year; but it dwindled as we all developed more separate lives and some were not able to contribute as much as others. But when we did eat together, we made a thing of it, and really turned it into a special occasion. We had many roast dinners, Christmas dinners, pancake nights, chilli con carne nights and pizza delivery nights throughout my undergraduate experience.

Flat 203’s delicious home-made Christmas Dinner in 2009

Although now I rarely eat a communal dinner with my current flatmate (we often eat together but have different meals, or sometimes in the confines of our rooms) food is still an important part of my postgraduate life. For instance, we have a special ‘Postgrad Coffee & Cake’ morning weekly, which allows us to bond with our coursemates over food and drink – postgraduate study is notoriously secluded, and so this is vital in encouraging a sociable environment and has been very popular so far!

Postgraduate life, due to the intensity of the course, also calls for encouragement; and my favourite kind of encouragement is the promise of a delicious meal at the end of my day, a sweet and sugary coffee with friends, or pudding with a cheeky bit of iPlayer in the evening. Food, as I have discovered throughout my uni life, makes me happy. And when the going gets tough, I’ll indulge in comfort food (whilst bearing in mind my health too, of course!).

Budgeting is also a big part of university culinary life. Undergraduates will budget to keep up with their student loans and grants, and postgraduates, if unfunded, will budget to keep all their spending to a minimum, since we don’t get student loans. Deliberating over how to eat the best meals for the least amount of money takes time and can often lead to myself wandering the aisles of Sainsbury’s for hours trying to decide which pasta sauce would be cheapest AND most satisfying.

For many at University, food might also be a problem. It can be expensive (how can they justify charging so much for fresh fruit and vegetables!?) and it can be time consuming (who wants to make a curry from scratch when the takeaway menu is right there on the table?). You might find yourself getting unhealthier, putting on a little more weight or losing a little. But as long as you’re sensible and keep yourself as healthy as you can, food should and could be one of your best friends at uni.

Here at Southampton you have so many options if you don’t fancy eating at home. Yes, budgets may not permit this regularly, but as a treat, or instead of overstocking your fridge, eating on campus (or off) is a sure-fire way of getting a good meal – especially if you’re not living in catered halls. On campus you have the brand new and shiny Bridge Bar (one of my favourite haunts at the moment), the Stag’s Head, Piazza, SUSU Café and Arlott Bar amongst many more – of course, Humanities students have the Avenue Café.

A few of my personal favourites outside of the University bubble include Portswood establishments Trago Lounge and Kate’s Café, and further into town (if I’m celebrating) I’ll indulge in Thai food at Mango, Caribbean cuisine at Turtle Bay, or something cheaper and just as tasty in West Quay’s food court.

Tapas at Trago Lounge – delicious!

And finally, there’s the hurdle of learning to cook. I can’t cook. I struggle to boil an egg (runny egg sandwich anyone?) and have never made my own pasta or curry sauces – though I have been known to make Jambalaya and a vegetarian cottage pie from scratch! However I pride myself on making a different meal every day. Rarely will I have the same meal two days in a row.

Vegetable curry / stir fry anyone?

Personally, I think that enjoying food is a big part of life here in Southampton, and at University in general – and there’s nothing more comforting than a chocolate biscuit and a cup of tea in your pyjamas, to calm you down after a stressful day of studying.

Now, what shall I have for pudding?

Joanne

Getting political

Today I’d like to talk a little about the world of student-based politics and, from a personal perspective, what I make of them. I’d like to preface it by saying that all opinions presented are my own. I believe there are a massive number of reasons to get involved with them, and if you’d like to do so, the SUSU website is packed with great advice, tips and information: check it out here!

So an aspect of life as a member of the Southampton University Students’ Union (SUSU) you'll often encounter – more so than you'd perhaps appreciate at times – is the world of student elections.

Citing the statistics published online, there are over 500 elected student officers each year in SUSU, with nominations and voting staggered throughout the year. These officers take roles in the surprisingly vast bureaucratic systems underpinning SUSU’s administration, covering bodies including (but not limited to) JCRs, Student Leaders, Academic Presidents and, most pre-eminently, Sabbatical Officers (responsible for overseeing the running of the entire Union).

Such groups cover everything from the organisation of Friday nightlife in the Union’s Cube venue, provision of services, student support and events on campus (including on academic courses), forming dialogues with the University, financing of and affiliation with a huge number of societies, to every activity in the Union and its associated policies and, most importantly, representing you and me.

But although SUSU politics may not be immediately obvious to the average student throughout the year – some opt to remain more distant from SUSU - you’ll certainly notice their presence when referendums and elections come around, irrespective of their cause. The flyering, campaigning and general buzz of activity engulfs the place and is nigh on impossible to ignore!

Whenever there’s a decision to be made, a great number of students – be they journalists, reporters, candidates, campaign teams or organisers – demonstrate their effervescent zeal and creativity in lighting up campuses, halls of residence and any other student areas in many different forms, and it makes for a lively and exciting atmosphere around the University.

At the other end of the spectrum, I’ve spoken to people who seem to be slightly less interested the idea of student politics. Among other motivations for not wanting to engage them, some cited a preference to focus on their studies rather than get involved with extra-curricular commitments, while others held the belief that their impact was exaggerated.

So, like everything at Uni, the extent to which you want to get involved is entirely up to you.

Personally, I’m an advocate of the opportunities that the elections present. Not only is it an occasion on which you have the potential to vote in representatives who reflect your views, or indeed even nominate yourself for a position (it’s surprisingly straightforward!), potentially leading to changes in whatever aspects of the Union you deem necessary, they also offer the chance to get some insight into how a massive organisation like SUSU actually functions, particularly at events like Union Council meetings (which anyone is welcome to attend, exceptional circumstances permitting).

Furthermore, it’s never been easier to get the information you need to make your mind up thanks to the incredible coverage provided by budding journalists and teams of student media, be it for SUSUtv, Surge Radio, the Wessex Scene, the Soton Tab or other outlets. And if you want to get involved, there are training sessions and opportunities aplenty created around election times, as huge teams assemble to produce high quality programmes and material; just check out their relative websites for information, or get in touch with them.

So although I didn’t have the time to scour their manifestos, just listening to the candidates (for last year’s Sabbatical elections) openly getting their views across during a series of live televised debates gave me enough of an idea as to whom I agreed most with, and therefore should investigate the policies of.

On the other hand, from my own experience, I can understand why some people prefer to remain withdrawn as, from afar, elections can come across as slightly drawn out, particularly given the sheer quantity of representative positions that are voted for (although I’d add that I appreciate the need for them). For example, I was initially intrigued by the novelty of the elections when the first round – voting for Course Reps – arrived in my Fresher year, but, after a while, the frequency began to dilute my interest. However, I believe this point has been raised and that the timescales of their organisation are on the move – so it’s definitely worth keeping an eye on!

And, contrary to rumours, their results can have massive implications for student life. For example, living outside of halls of residence this year, my housemates and I expected to be bombarded with requests for council tax payments, from which, as full-time students, we’re technically exempt. Originally dreading the hassle of organising a claim for such exemption, out of the blue I recalled a snippet of information I’d heard banded about and, a quick search of the SUSU website later, the excellent work, in collaboration with the University, of Chloe Green, SUSU’s VP of Welfare & Communities, laid our fears to rest. Exemption has, as of this year, become an automatic process which takes place (in certain areas, I should probably add, so it’s still worth checking!) after students’ enrolment – so that was one less thing for us to sort out amid acclimatising to a busted boiler and the resulting cold showers!

And, with a referendum on whether to apply for affiliation with the National Union of Students (NUS) approaching, and the “Yes” and “No” campaigns and publicity teams gearing up on social networks and throughout SUSU media (I really recommend giving the publications I’ve mentioned a read over when you have a spare minute), the impact of the decisions that SUSU’s members make is only going to augment.

In the interests of impartiality I’m not going to delve into the arguments for or against affiliation, I’ll only say this: it’ll have a huge effect on my, your, and our Union!

So it’s time to get political!

Robin

Let’s just embrace Europe

Last week The European Union was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize. I was genuinely so pleased, admittedly the EU is facing some extremely difficult times at present but my experiences of it have always been life-affirming.

This weekend I am going to Berlin, just because I love the EU that much! Well, not just that… Last Easter I participated in the biggest and most prestigious EU stimulation held in the Strasbourg parliament, it was only a week long but I had experiences which completely redefined my view of Europe. Thus, I applied to be on the organising committee for this year’s stimulation and this weekend we are having one of our conferences in Berlin. Pretty fancy eh.

Me being all professional in the European Parliament. Check me out!

However, in such struggling times the problem of Britain’s growing Euroscepticism becomes ever more apparent, despite the fact that (in my view) the ramifications of isolationism would be detrimental to all involved.

I thought this would be an interesting topic to explore, I’ve always considered myself a European, but Britain, it transpires, finds solace in isolation; the Eurobarometer survey (2009) revealed that an overwhelming 71% of the country is apathetic or unsympathetic to Europe. This attitude contrasts magnificently with that of the continent, where a majority of citizens supported their country's membership, and only 15% deem it to have a negative impact.

Britain bears a long and contentious history of suspicion towards Europe, with an ideology instigated from typically right wing, conservative, pro-Commonwealth nostalgia; preaching the words of the Empire, far more than those of the Union. Worryingly however this mentality has endured, and thus when Cameron vetoed Angela Merkel's fiscal compact in December 2011 it seemed to reinforce more dangerous ideology than mere financial implications. The dividing gulf of the British channel seemed to increase ever further and the Euroscepticism in Britain intensified.

Cameron’s veto was only one aspect of a national culture growing apathetic to Europe; this worrying trend is also reflected in a reluctance to learn languages. Shockingly, 57% of pupils now take no languages at GCSE; this complacency is reinforced by an island mentality and isolation from bordering languages. The United Kingdom, like many other countries, is in a precarious position and the Europe Zone crisis has only led to people holding a fiercer grip on their personal interests, yet this is undoubtedly foolish.  A quote from a Dutch newspaper, Volkskrant, epitomises the British position; “Europe marches on, Cameron stands still”. Britain’s lack of willing is preventing a united, but diverse, Europe; something of an essential in terms of progressive political and economic necessity. Euroscepticism is not only educationally limiting, but also massively counterproductive; European countries account for 50% of British trade and much of their inward investment, leaving the EU is not, in any shape or form, in the national interest.

The fact that programmes such as ERASMUS are suffering funding cuts appals me, because for me it is the existence of these very programmes which makes Europe so deserving of a Nobel Peace Prize; it is the fostering of friendships between nations (of which I have personal experience) which prevents conflict and breeds empathy. Europe is undergoing a renovation, change is on the horizon. Hopefully Britain will learn from the mistakes of their disillusioned Euroscepticism and embrace this revolution, resulting not only in a healthier, more efficient and better Britain, but also an equally benefiting Europe.

Florence

A walk down memory lane…

It has been just three and a half weeks since I left Southampton to come to India for a break after my dissertation phase, and it already seems like its been ages since I have been away. Such is the addiction of student life and more so in Southampton, wherein the University students add the glitz, glamour and most importantly “life” to the city. The student phase is the best time of your life and indeed it is… when I look back and reminisce.

Needless to mention that I am missing the Uni badly and everything associated with it. I am missing my early morning walk to the bus stop amidst familiar faces, still fighting the early morning blues, to catch the First bus no. 7 to Portswood. I am missing the 93 year old Mr Daniel on my way to the bus stop, who despite the number of years he’s clocked up, could give anyone a run for his money as far as zeal and enthusiasm is concerned. I am missing the half a mile walk uphill on University Road, where I used to walk along the pavement in a line with a number of students pacing briskly so as not to miss the dreaded nine o’clock lecture. I am missing my daily cup of coffee from the library vending machine before the lecture. I am missing the warmth of the lecture theatre whilst I sat in the class taking notes in an attempt to write every word that the instructor spoke. I am missing the early morning breakfast menu at Piazza, the cafeteria at the Uni. I am missing all the hustle and bustle that used to happen on the SUSU red brick area… someone distributing leaflets for an upcoming play at the Nuffield Theatre… someone getting a questionnaire filled out for a survey… someone advertising the new student society that had been launched… or someone collecting donations for charity. 

I am missing my daily copy of The Telegraph along with a free Dairy Milk from the SUSU shop. I am missing the pun behind the jokes cracked by my favourite instructor in class as he explained the complex laws of fluid dynamics with so much ease, yet never missed an opportunity to ridicule us on our lack of fundamental understanding of the subject. I am missing having my lunch with friends at the lounge area of building 40, sitting on those monster bean bags and chatting away happily. I am missing my favourite corner cubicle on the third level of the Hartley library, where I had spent hours and hours for my coursework and assignments. I am missing running from one building to the other on Tuesdays and Thursdays to attend my lectures amidst a jam-packed schedule. I am missing winding up the day with my classmates with a pint of beer in Stag’s, the University pub. I am missing sitting on the lawn in front of the library, watching students go in and out, busy in their own lives.

I am missing all this as it was a part of my growing up in the University and shall always remain cherished and remembered fondly. I am missing the Uni badly as it is not just my almamater… but a way of life.

Rohit

Home, sweet home?

One of the most exciting prospects of starting University for many Freshers is the idea of living away from home. Your place, your rules; as my Nan likes to call them, your own ‘student digs’. Halls are your first step, with people surrounding you and security available. It’s a neat little transition into independent life.

I spent my first year living in Orion’s Point, before the University had taken over the whole block. I was terrified at the thought of having gotten into what were then not official University Halls, and I know my flatmates were also worried that we would become outcasts, without experiencing the thrill of the ‘true’ halls like Glen Eyre or Monte. At that time we had to pay for our own bus passes, and didn’t have a JCR (Junior Common Room, who organise all your halls' events). However, I still had the time of my life; my room was heavenly, with an ensuite and new furniture; we were close to town, and the people in my block became my nearest and dearest. We never really felt like we missed out. I had the best start to University life that I could have asked for, and I am sure it was mostly down to where I was living and with whom. Today’s Freshers of ‘O.P’ can enjoy their own JCR and a complimentary bus pass – but even without all that we had a whale of a time back in 2009/10.

The thing with Halls is that they lull you into a very comfortable life. Fantastic heating was provided for my flat all year round, with constant hot water and no problems with mould, mildew or insulation. Unfortunately, for returning students mostly, student housing can be far from the idyllic ‘digs’ that we expect or are used to.

In a couple of months, Freshers will begin to think about their next home. Rumours will spread that houses and flats are hard to find, landlords will start advertising, and ‘to let’ signs will sprout from front gardens and pavements throughout Portswood, Swaythling and Highfield. The Great Housing Rush will begin.

Something that every one of my University undergraduate friends will tell you is that the ‘housing rush’ is a lie. There is no rush to get ‘the best housing’ in the opinion of many, and falling for the rumours could leave you out of pocket and stuck with a house that is less than desirable. If you think ‘it’s either this, or being homeless’, of course you’re going to sign the contract. But that’s not the mentality with which you should be going into looking for your first (or second) student house or flat.

My house for second and third year was pretty decent. We had two bathrooms, some good sized bedrooms, a fairly new kitchen and a lovely living room. We were happy – and that’s why we stayed there for two years. But even we felt a little rushed into choosing somewhere. We signed the contract in February, and we even had to run to the estate agents because another group wanted to get the house on the same day.

The house had its faults. Ceiling plaster regularly dropped onto my bed, the garden was a jungle that we had to clean ourselves, and we had the most bizarre sink layout any kitchen has ever had. But, from the stories I’ve heard, most houses will have the odd thing here and there which wouldn’t be there in a standard house to let. Unfortunately, it seems students are expected to live in living spaces that you certainly wouldn’t live in if you were hoping to start a new life with a boyfriend, spouse or a young family. It’s a sad truth. But the faults became endearing, and the house became our home.

Over the next few months, Freshers will be faced the daunting task of house hunting, or maybe just planning said hunt. For those of you with cleaners in your halls, you will no longer have someone to tidy up after you. Heating will cost a lot more than you thought; utilities might not work, and no doubt you’ll be confronted with problems that you never thought you would face.

Now in my fourth year, I am living with just one other friend on my course. I have traded my five bedroom house at the end of Portswood for a cosy two bedroom flat behind the library (so small there is no living room and a very poky bathroom). It’s perfect for what I need this year – a base, if you will – I only need the basics and my room is really nice. But, one month in, and we have already had a number of small problems with lighting fixtures and temperamental boilers.

As a student, you will never live like you do at home until you can afford a better place. Sometimes you have to see the overgrown gardens and bad paint-jobs as just things that add character to your new home. It’s all part of the fun - just make sure it doesn’t endanger your safety and wellbeing.

Now don’t let me put you off. It’s not the nightmare that you might think. There are just a few key things to remember:

1. Be aware that what you see is what you get. If there was ever a time to be a bit picky, it’s now. You don’t want to live somewhere substandard all year, so you need to make the right choice and all agree.

2. Take. Your. Time.

3. Discuss what you’re looking for. We launched into the whole process utterly bewildered, so it pays to talk to your future housemates to see what you expect. 

4. However, don’t expect a palace, or you’ll be looking forever.

My final story is that, when I first moved into my room after having lived at Orion’s Point for a year, I was heartbroken. It wasn’t as new, it wasn’t as immaculate, and it looked depressing. But as soon as I made it my own, added my possessions, and started living in it, it became my home from home. You might have a bit of a wobble, but chances are, you’ll love it. It’s a change all students have to go through.

Student housing has been a problem and a focus for many over time; the Wessex Scene has published a few articles on the topic, including a very popular one more recently (found HERE) and SUSU will be launching a new housing campaign in November – I urge you, if you are a Fresher, to take a note of what you’re told by older students, and to get involved in the housing campaign so that you are aware of what you should be looking for, and what you shouldn’t have to do.

And finally, it’s exciting. Enjoy it – it’s all part of growing up!

Joanne