The Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences welcomed performance artist Guillermo Gómez-Peña for two consecutive nights as part of the college’s Distinguished Speakers Series, Sept. 21–22. Hosted by the college’s Division of Performing and Visual Arts, the events marked the first time a Distinguished Speaker has appeared at NSU over a two-day period.
On Sept. 21, Gómez-Peña provided insight about his career and life as a performance artist in an intimate audio-visual lecture titled Multiple Journeys: The Life and Work of Gómez-Peña. Using text and historical photographs to chronicle his life’s work, Gómez-Peña discussed the evolution of his field and the main political and social events of the times.
On the following night, Gómez-Peña presented Strange Democracy: Border Wars. This thought-provoking performance featured the artist’s commentary about current and historic conflicts concerning immigration, particularly over the U.S.-Mexican border. The interactive presentation, which included questions Gómez-Peña deemed “impossible to answer,” challenged audience members to rethink their feelings and beliefs about topics such as race, culture, and civil rights.
In preparation for the performance artist’s visit to NSU, the college’s Division of Humanities hosted a faculty panel on Sept. 19, which served as a companion event to the Distinguished Speakers Series presentations. “The Wretched Refuse: Immigration Then and Now” included a discussion headed by college faculty members Tim Dixon, J.D., associate professor and coordinator of history/politics, and Gary Gershman, J.D., Ph.D., associate professor who serves as chair of the legal studies major.
Each year, the Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences brings to campus a series of prominent leaders in their fields through the Distinguished Speakers Series. These events are centered on the college’s annual academic theme. This year’s theme is “Truth and Power.”
On Wednesday, Oct. 26, the college welcomes its next Distinguished Speaker, activist and Oscar-winning actor Richard Dreyfuss. Tickets will become available Monday, Oct. 10, in the Office of the Dean, located in the Mailman-Hollywood Building, second floor. Limit two (2) tickets per person with a valid NSU ID.