World

Penn grad students weigh union; Shakespeare goes horror; Trauma in schools

ADMIN 04/01/2024

Penn grad students may vote to unionize next month

After years of organizing, thousands of graduate student workers at the University of Pennsylvania will decide whether or not to unionize in mid-April.

Student organizers are currently fighting an NLRB ruling that about 300 people aren’t eligible to unionize, despite working a full work week teaching or researching while also doing their studies. WHYY’s Kristen Mosbrucker-Garza delves into next steps and what unionizing would mean for about 4,500 grad students. Continue reading…

Luella Allen-Waller, a graduate student inside the University of Pennsylvania’s biology department said 3,000 of her colleagues signed petition cards to join the union. (Kristen Mosbrucker-Garza/WHYY)

Shakespeare’s Scottish play as a psychological horror show

“It should feel like a horror story. There are dark supernatural moments. There are body parts being pulled out of witches’ cauldrons. There are heads being cut up. Covered in blood – six different characters are described that way in the script.”

That is how director Alex Burns describes the new production of “Macbeth” by Quintessence Theatre Co., which emphasizes the psychological horror of Shakespeare’s infamous indictment of power and ambition. BP’s Jane M. Von Bergen spoke with Burns about what audiences can expect from the production. Continue reading…

The cast of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth at Quintessence Theatre Group. (Linda Johnson/Quintessence Theatre Group)

RECAP: What else happened?

$ = paywalled

• A federal appeals panel overturned a lower court ruling that allowed undated ballots to be counted. The ACLU responded that they are “considering all our options.” [NPR/ACLU]

• Philly schools and police have launched a $1 million program called Handle With Care to train 300 officers and 100 educators on how to recognize trauma and support students in coping with violence. [Chalkbeat]

• Center City building owners are appealing assessments as the value of office properties drops. The move saves them millions in tax obligations, but would hit city revenue hard. [BizJournal$]

• Go behind the lights of Boathouse Row’s new state-of-the-art display. [Technical.ly]

• Artist and Kensington native Roberto Lugo wants Kensington residents to see themselves in long-lasting ceramic art—literally. His three 11-foot outdoor sculptures will be installed this summer. [Kensington Voice]

• Grab one of thousands of Phillies cheer cards being distributed by Visit Philadelphia at 13 locations across the city, from the Bok and Franklin Institute to McGillin’s Olde Ale House and Reading Terminal Market. [Visit Philly]

MAYOR WATCH

Mayor Parker attends the Phillies home opener at Citizens Bank Park, greeting the players before they take on the Atlanta Braves. (2 p.m. Friday, March 29)

On Saturday, Parker delivers the keynote address at the 21st Annual Dr. Frank “Tick” Coleman Awards Luncheon honoring the long-time educator and civic leader. (2 p.m.)

The mayor has no public appearances scheduled for Easter Sunday.

ON THE CALENDAR

🕺🏽 Dance to your favorite K-pop covers at CEG Performing Arts and see which of the 14 finalists wins a cash prize. $15 tickets. (5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, March 30)

🎸 Closing night for the “A Utopian Stage” exhibit at Asian Arts Initiative will feature several dance and music performances from across South, Southeast, and East Asian cultures. $15-25 sliding scale. (3 p.m. Saturday, March 30)

🏮 The Hoyu Folk Culture Festival will bring Asian Americans from across the U.S. to Philly’s Chinatown for a parade and live music and dance performances. (10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, March 31)

👒 Put on your Easter best for the 91st annual Easter Promenade at South Street Headhouse, which kicks off rain or shine. (12 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, March 31)