Who among us hasn’t looked to the stage and felt inspired? The harsh spotlights, the graceful dancing, the lyrical genius that combines emotion and description, all a treat to behold, and just as soon as they appear, they are gone. A sense of theatrics has inspired much of Gen Z, from their exposure to golden age Disney films; and the “Hamilton” craze of 2020 has gotten more interested in an art form that has been long disrespected by popular culture. Social media has hooked much of the generation on their desire to perform. Whether that be more directly, as with TikTok or more subtly with Instagram. Dionysus’ influence begets us all.
Enter stage right: Sock and Buskin. Sock and Buskin are Elizabethtown College’s own drama club. They are named after the ancient Greek masks of theater, more commonly known as the masks of comedy and tragedy. Here in Etown, Sock and Buskin is a student run club whose focus is the big stage. Plays, musicals, dance, all of it is welcome at the drama club. Sock and Buskin is Etown’s oldest club.
At Sock and Buskin students participate in meetings to discuss topics as they relate to the performing arts. The club even at one point would take a trip up to New York City, N.Y. to see a professional Broadway show. Broadway, of course being the world’s stage for all things theater. However, amid the flashing lights of Times Square, the pandemic would hit the industry hard. Broadway theaters would close for a year following the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. During the 1918 pandemic they hadn’t closed and had reopened on September 13, 2001. This would be quite a blow to the drama community. However, the drama club still persisted.
Sock and Buskin also talk about a wide variety of events the drama club hosts. Whether those be homecoming or discussing whatever show the drama department has recently put on.
Speaking of which, the drama department is putting on a show! “Still Life with Iris” is being performed at the Tempest Theater from March 17 through 26.
The play follows the life of a little girl named Iris who must travel across the land of Nocturno on a magical adventure to regain her home. In the world of Nocturno, everything seen in the day is made at night, and memories are stored in your pockets. The gods of this world take Iris from her home and with it her memories. Slowly, Iris learns of the true nature of her past, and journeys home.
Sock and Buskin is a great place to discuss the play after watching it; and that’s really where the drama club excels at. The theatrical arts are one that many enjoy, but few perform. At Sock and Buskin, you don’t have to be a performer to enjoy the performances. If you have stage fright, then you need not be frightened. Sock and Buskin may be just the place for you.
