Many students travel abroad, bringing back mementos of their travels. There is over six billion people in the world. Each with their own culture and memories. They cross paths, but rarely does the beauty of this diversity converge on one stage.
Drake International Student Association (ISA) will bring together the vivacious variety of world culture in Drake University Sheslow Auditorium this Saturday at 6 p.m.
“International Night: Memoirs of the World,”will feature a vast mixture of dance, music, fashion and art to demonstrate how a small university can have such a large global representation. The two-hour production will feature acts like a Chinese Lion dance, music from Thailand and Jamaican dances.
The annual event is paired with a theme to connect the acts. This year’s production is assisted with the help of ISA president Earl Lee, who has been involved with the production for three years.
“This year we decided on Memoirs of the World because we all have an autobiography to tell and here we tell of one man’s journey to find himself,” Lee said.
Lee said the event not only connects the international students but the entire study body should take advantage of the chance for real-world learning about the university’s mission statement.
“We continue to promote the Drake mission statement of creating responsible global citizens by using our performances and dialogue to breakdown stereotypes that exist about countries,” Lee said.
Food also plays a large role in the cultural identity of a nation, and following the production, a reception featuring 16 different dishes will be offered in Parents Hall.
There are approximately 360 international students, from over 50 different countries studying at Drake. Many of them have been involved with assuring the authenticity of the presentation. Planning such a large production can be difficult to coordinate but rewarding.
“I think new ideas are fresh and I have enjoyed the challenge of working with a group of students who think some things need to be changed,” Lee said.
Tickets were available this week and selling fast at the reduced rate of $10 with a Drake ID. To get a passport to this night of adventure stop by the Olmsted Breeze way today and tomorrow between the hours of 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4 p.m.-7 p.m. Tickets will also be available at the door for $15.
The event is open to the Des Moines community and children age 13 and under may attend for $5.
“We are able to see the American culture on a daily basis and now we can show you how we do it back home,” Lee said. “The event will be amazing and you will truly enjoy yourself.”
