Washi Tapes

Washi Tapes are a kind of tapes made from a special material—Washi paper. As Washi papers are made in a Japanese style, those tapes are originally from Japan. They were first created mostly for the purpose of keeping oil paint in place as plasterers applied the colors. However, some people with creative hearts—crafters, let’s say—discovered some possible usages of Washi tapes. Thus, they took a trip to the factory that made Washi tapes, and suggested that colors and various patterns could be printed on those tapes. Therefore, this whole industry was changed and the Washi tapes we see in the present were created.

There are countless kinds of Washi tapes we can find in different shops and stores. Whole-colored Washi tapes are the basic ones people turn to as beginners. They can either be used on their own or together with other ones to create various collages. Washi tapes with geometric patterns are also common purchases. A great way to use them is decorating walls by arranging them in proper orders and positions. Through this, your creativity can be expressed, and they are absolutely cheaper than real wall papers. If you are a stationary addict, then GOOD NEWS! You will definitely love those beautiful Washi tapes with little pieces of patterns or artworks printed on them.

 

Washi tapes are simply something crafters cannot turn down. They are one of the best companions for you if you are interested in crafts!

By: Yizi Wang

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Fiddler on the Roof & Tradition

        In taking a closer look at the Aquinas Theatre Department this year, one cannot help but notice a certain morality in the productions. The fall production of The Snow Queen reminded us of the power of love and its ability to triumph over any evil. The blackbox show, a Jewish play, A Shayna Maidel, pulled (and I mean tugged) at our heart strings while depicting the power of friendship and family in getting through even the worst of times. Now, with spring just around the corner, it is time to experience the power of tradition with the well-known, lovably witty musical, Fiddler on the Roof.

        The show follows the life of a poor milkman, Tevye, and his family, which consists of his wife and five daughters. They live in the village of Anatevka, a Jewish settlement in Russia, during the early 1900s. This was a time when Jews were heavily persecuted. For example, Russian soldiers would perform pogroms, or demonstrations that resulted in the destruction of Jewish homes and property. Yet, even in the midst of this type of oppression, Anatevka is a proud community, thriving on their traditions and “constant devotion to God”. The particularly interesting thing about Tevye’s life is that he is constantly pushed to break tradition. In the family’s endeavors to marry off his five vivacious daughters, Tevye struggles to decide between tradition, which has kept Jewish culture alive for all these years, and true love. The fun-filled musical both shows us the importance of tradition- and when it is acceptable to break it.  

        Many theatre departments have attempted Fiddler on the Roof, but none have had as many obstacles to overcome as Aquinas does. AQ’s dedicated cast and crew of well over forty students (including yours truly) have worked tirelessly to ensure that this will be the best school production of the show since our very own alumni performed it. The show opens Thursday March 12 at 7:30pm, with shows on Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm and Saturday at 2:00pm. 

By: Jasmine Benjamin
   

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