Hello future-hawks! As an Arts Reporter for The Daily Iowan, I have had the absolute pleasure to attend a great deal of arts performances both affiliated with The University of Iowa and the Iowa City community. Whether it be theater, live music, or other art experiences, Iowa City is rich with creativity and talent. I’m here to walk you through some highlights.
Theater
The theater community in Iowa City is absolutely vast and diverse. With programming both affiliated with the University of Iowa and independent theaters in the area, there is an abundance of options for individuals who enjoy theater to attend.
The work produced at the University of Iowa consists of a large number of pieces that are written and produced by students. There are several beautiful theaters that are on-campus, including the Theatre Building and Hancher Auditorium.
Through my experiences speaking with the actors, actresses, directors, playwrights, and stage managers, I have been provided a unique insight into the world of theater that I did not have before. While I can’t guarantee that every University of Iowa student will have the privilege to speak with every playwright and cast member for the shows they attend, it is clear from an objective audience’s perspective that a great deal of love, passion, and skill is poured into every performance.
The theater that exists outside of the University of Iowa is also thrilling to watch. These pieces are a combination of new plays and pieces that are pre-written, and the community is extremely close and welcoming. A month or so ago, I went to a play with the Iowa City Community Theatre on the Shirtwaist Triangle Factory Fire, and approximately a week later, I saw one of the actors with a different theater working lights.
The same happened earlier in the year. I attended a show written and directed by a University of Iowa graduate student, and an entire semester later, I interviewed the lead actress as she was directing that same Shirtwaist Triangle Factory Fire show. The theater community in Iowa City is large but interconnected, making attending shows an ever more enjoyable experience.
Live Music
The live music scene in Iowa City is also thriving, and actually has a rich history of artists performing around local bars and cafes. Prior to rising to infamous status, Nirvana actually performed at Gabe’s bar in 1989. Gathering a small crowd of only 40 to 50 attendees, Gabe’s certainly has a unique claim-to-fame in the form of hosting Nirvana before they became a nationally recognized band that huge audiences would pay a great deal of money to see.
Live music in Iowa City is not only prominent when looking historically. Just a few weeks ago, I was able to see artists Lucy Dacus and Indigo De Souza performing at The Englert Theatre. I have only one word to describe the experience — amazing.
I was a fan of Lucy Dacus before I had heard she was coming to Iowa City, and when the tour was announced (and later postponed due to COVID-19 concerns), I knew I wanted to cover the performance. I was able to get tickets and was immediately blown away by the live talent of the opener Indigo De Souza and of course, loved getting to see one of my favorite artists live. Hobo Johnson also took on the bar scene in Iowa City, and while I didn’t go to the show as I really only know the popular song Peach Scone by him, I heard it was a great experience for those who attended.
There is also a surplus of classical music opportunities for students interested in that discipline of music. There are varying programs that invite critically-acclaimed classical trios and quartets to perform at Hancher Auditorium, as well as several student bands and orchestras that are well-practiced and a joy to listen to. The arts department at the University of Iowa produces a great deal of musical talent, and having the opportunity to hear these students play is a treat.
Museums, Art, and Other Events
While my exposure to museums and artwork is limited, there is a surplus of opportunities to expose oneself to varying types of art in the community. Near the beginning of the year, I got the opportunity to visit a public ofrenda exhibit to celebrate Día de Los Muertos. The altar itself was beautifully crafted, and it was heartwarming to see the community come together and contribute to the public ofrenda.
There are also frequent art exhibits hosted in the University of Iowa Main Library, which is open for students to explore as they learn more about artists in the city.
Museum exhibits are recurring within Iowa City as well, one notable one being the Anne Frank exhibit that recently opened on campus. The exhibit is a traveling museum, meaning that it has made itself home in an abundance of locations, and Iowa City is but one stop of many. The exhibit also aligns with the arrival of a sapling propagated from a tree referenced by Anne Frank herself in her diary, contributing to the historic presence the city has.
Regarding performing arts, Iowa City also has a lively and prominent drag community. With events held at the university and at Studio 13, Iowa City’s LGBTQ+ nightclub, there are many opportunities to enjoy or participate in these performances.
I’ll leave you readers with one final note — if you don’t think you enjoy consuming the arts, at least give it a try. I have a close friend who I brought with me to a play who had originally told me that he detests theater. By the end of the show, he was gushing about how much he enjoyed the performance. There is a form of art for everyone in Iowa City, so long that you are giving it a shot.
Jami x