Arts & Humanities
Curtain rises on UWM’s renovated, updated Mainstage Theatre
A fire in UWM’s Mainstage Theatre caused millions in damage and disrupted productions for almost a year. But it also provided the opportunity to improve the theater in myriad ways, from lighting and acoustics to accessibility and comfort, and it taught students lessons in resilience and adaptability.
Kimberly Blaeser to kick off NEA Big Read events
Kimberly Blaeser, a professor of creative writing and Native American literature at UWM, will lead the Waukesha/Milwaukee kickoff event for the National Endowment of the Arts Big Read initiative, “Wisconsin Reads ‘The Round House,’” on Thursday, March 1, at 7 p.m. at the Woodland Pattern Book Center, 720 E. Locust St.
UWM student ‘brings his full brilliance, heart and soul’ to community service
Kitonga Alexander touched the lives of Milwaukee students as a teacher, but he wanted to do more. So he formed a group that works with the Alma Center to reduce violence in the community. His work garnered him a “Positively Milwaukee” award.
Music alumnus explores the art of sound in Sweden
Warren Enström is creating sound art by exploring the frontiers of music-making. The UWM alum’s composition aren’t done the traditional way – they’re done by helping computers learn to be creative by exploring the environment around them.
A child of LA, novelist Callanan finds a home in Milwaukee and at UWM
Liam Callanan is the author of three novels and a collection of short stories, but he’s also a highly regarded teacher who won a teaching award last fall. His latest novel, “Paris by the Book,” will be released April 3.
Time traveling and history-unraveling with alum Peter Janecky
A UWM history alum is helping people find out if their ancestors may have been involved in some of history’s biggest events, the ones we read about in history books. He writes for Ancestry.com.
Film alumni screen work at Slamdance Film Festival
Several UWM alumni will screen work at the 2018 Slamdance Film Festival, Jan. 19-25. The festival is in Park City, Utah, and runs in concurrence with the Sundance Film Festival.
Acclaimed actor Willem Dafoe remembers his time at UWM
As praise rolls in for a performance that would net him his third Academy Award nomination, veteran actor Willem Dafoe fondly recalls his time as a student at UWM. And an emeritus professor of theater who directed him in two plays here remembers his prodigious acting talent even then.
Immigration experiences spark a career goal in journalism
Miela Fetaw has already begun building a strong career in journalism even before graduation. Her experience as an immigrant helps make her determined to tell the stories of refugees and other immigrants.
UWM interns, alums help public museum bring weapons exhibit to life
From the New Zealand wahaika to the Aztec macuahuitl, weapons have been part of human culture across the globe and throughout history. An exhibit at the Milwaukee Public Museum explores that, and UWM students and alums were integral in creating it.