scholarly journals Blackout: Theatre, Rugby and Samoan Masculine Identities

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Sepelini Mua'au

<p>This thesis examines key ideas concerning masculinity and Samoan identity, focusing on the external and internal pressures placed on Pacific Island athletes in New Zealand and abroad to inform the development of an original script, Blackout. In 2014, as part of an Honours script-writing course, I wrote a first draft for my first full-length play. Inspired by the work of Samoan playwright Oscar Kightley, Blackout is a play that intersects the story of four young Pacific Island boys in their last year of College with the journey of a talented young Pacific Islander in his mid-20s trying to make his way in the Professional Rugby world. This thesis is part of a practice-based research project, comprising a 60% theory-based thesis (25,000 words) and 40% practical component, developing the script through three workshop productions. The two working questions the thesis and production process centre on are, firstly how the experiences of young second generation Samoan males can be explored through a contemporary theatre text, enabling the research to develop the story and characters of the play. The second,how the development of this script can enhance an understanding of what it is to be an emerging playwright, grounding the piece in personal experiences and contributing discoveries for young Pacific Playwrights. The practical elements of the project will be evaluated through the submission of two scripts,the first draft and the final working script, the reflection of this process in the thesis including facets of a workbook and in the presentation of the final performance itself, a copy of which will be made available to all markers.  What drives the project is a desire to see how the experiences of young, male, Samoans might be represented theatrically and how this might be an effective way of connecting with community. This process has opened up two further questions, being:  What is the role of the writer in the rehearsal room?  What are the dramaturgical challenges of developing a script in-progress?</p>

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Sepelini Mua'au

<p>This thesis examines key ideas concerning masculinity and Samoan identity, focusing on the external and internal pressures placed on Pacific Island athletes in New Zealand and abroad to inform the development of an original script, Blackout. In 2014, as part of an Honours script-writing course, I wrote a first draft for my first full-length play. Inspired by the work of Samoan playwright Oscar Kightley, Blackout is a play that intersects the story of four young Pacific Island boys in their last year of College with the journey of a talented young Pacific Islander in his mid-20s trying to make his way in the Professional Rugby world. This thesis is part of a practice-based research project, comprising a 60% theory-based thesis (25,000 words) and 40% practical component, developing the script through three workshop productions. The two working questions the thesis and production process centre on are, firstly how the experiences of young second generation Samoan males can be explored through a contemporary theatre text, enabling the research to develop the story and characters of the play. The second,how the development of this script can enhance an understanding of what it is to be an emerging playwright, grounding the piece in personal experiences and contributing discoveries for young Pacific Playwrights. The practical elements of the project will be evaluated through the submission of two scripts,the first draft and the final working script, the reflection of this process in the thesis including facets of a workbook and in the presentation of the final performance itself, a copy of which will be made available to all markers.  What drives the project is a desire to see how the experiences of young, male, Samoans might be represented theatrically and how this might be an effective way of connecting with community. This process has opened up two further questions, being:  What is the role of the writer in the rehearsal room?  What are the dramaturgical challenges of developing a script in-progress?</p>


2020 ◽  
Vol 26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristian Muresanu ◽  
Siva G. Somasundaram ◽  
Sergey V. Vissarionov ◽  
Liliya V. Gavryushova ◽  
Vladimir N. Nikolenko ◽  
...  

Background: From the evidence of failed injection-based growth factor therapies, it has been proposed that a naturally triggered uninterrupted blood circulation of the growth factors would be superior. Objective: We seek to stimulate discussions and more research about the possibility of using the already available growth factors found in the prostate gland and endometrium by starting a novel educable physiology, known as biological transformations controlled by the mind. Methods: We summarized the stretch-gated ion channel mechanism of the cell membrane, and offer several practical methods that can be applied by anyone, in order to stimulate and enhance the blood circulation of the growth factors from the seminal fluid to sites throughout the body. This details the practical application of our earlier published studies about biological transformations. Results: A previously reported single-patient case study has been extended, adding more from his personal experiences continually improving this novel physiological training and extending the ideas from our earlier findings in detail. Conclusion: The biological transformation findings demonstrate the need additional research to establish the benefits of these natural therapies to repair and rejuvenate tissues affected by various chronic diseases or aging processes.


2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 5-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolyn M. Callahan

ABSTRACT In this paper, I offer personal insights based on my experiences (thus far) in an evolving academic accounting career model. While I value all aspects of an academic career responsibilities (teaching, research, and service), this narrative focuses primarily on the role of accounting scholarship and, broadly, the impact of diversity on the same. I offer these perspectives and personal experiences from the unique vantage point as an African American woman, focused first on contributing to top-tired accounting scholarship, and more recently on roles as an administrator of an accounting department and business college. While my academic journey is unique by objective measures (often dubbed “trailblazing” by others), I offer suggestions that may be useful to any academic who is dedicated to success in our field. Given the evolving accounting model and challenges ahead, my overriding goal remains to encourage junior accounting colleagues to persevere, as an accounting academic career is richly rewarding.


2021 ◽  
pp. 251660852098428
Author(s):  
Vikas Bhatia ◽  
Chirag Jain ◽  
Sucharita Ray ◽  
jay Kumar

Objective: To report a case of young male with stroke and bilateral internal carotid artery (ICA) dissection. Background: Cervical Artery Dissection in Stroke Study trial has provided some insight on management of patients with ICA dissection. However, there is a need to modify the management strategies as per specific clinical scenario. Design/Methods: Case report and literature review. Results: A 45-year-old male presented with 1 month old history of acute onset numbness of right half of the body with slurring of speech. Computed tomography angiography showed complete occlusion of left cervical ICA just beyond origin with presence of fusiform dilatation and spiral flap in right extracranial cervical ICA. The patient was started on antiplatelets and taken for endovascular procedure using 2-mesh-based carotid stents. Patient was discharged after 3 days on antiplatelet therapy. At 1-year follow-up, there were no fresh symptoms. Conclusion: This case emphasizes the role of successful endovascular management of carotid dissection in a young male. These clinical situations may not be fully represented in trials, and a case-based approach is required.


2019 ◽  
pp. 088626051988993 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heng Choon (Oliver) Chan ◽  
Lorraine Sheridan

Most stalking studies are conducted in the West. Limited information is available on victims of stalking from the Asian continent. This study specifically explored the victimization experiences of young male and female adults in Hong Kong. Using a large sample of university students ( N = 2,496) aged between 18 and 40 years, the gender distribution of stalking incident characteristics was examined, along with prevalence of various stalking behaviors, and victim–offender relationships by types of stalking behaviors. The differential role of demographic and psychosocial characteristics in stalking victimization experience was also explored. The lifetime prevalence rate of stalking victimization was 8.2%, with a higher estimate in females than males (11.6% vs. 3.8%). The sample analyzed in this study was 196 stalking victims. Although surveillance-oriented behaviors were most frequently reported by both males and females, significant gender differences in types of stalking behaviors were noted. Multivariate analyses indicated that increases in age and levels of self-esteem were correlated with an increased probability of experiencing stalking victimization, while being a male and higher levels of life satisfaction were related to a lower likelihood of falling prey to stalking victimization. This study concludes with a call for anti-stalking legislation in Hong Kong given the devastating nature and consequences of stalking victimization.


2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 205-223
Author(s):  
Nadir N. Budhwani ◽  
Gary N. McLean

The Problem There is a growing need to explore the role of the centuries-old tradition of Sufism and its teachings which, through social movements, have contributed to, and continue to influence, human resource development (HRD) at various levels—individual, group, organization, community, nation, and international. The Solution To address this need, we present cases of social movements inspired by Sufi teachings in selected parts of the world. We discuss, using literature and personal experiences, links among Sufi teachings, social movements, and HRD, and provide a framework for understanding Sufi teachings within the context of the social movement phenomenon. We end with recommendations for practice and research. The Stakeholders We target broadening the horizons of HRD researchers, practitioners, civil society members, and social movement activists, encouraging them to address long-term changes and collective learning through the quest for unconditional love and liberation, which represent the core of Sufi teachings.


2017 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 52-71
Author(s):  
Lorna Hill

Abstract This study will explore the role of female authors in contemporary Scottish crime fiction. Over the past thirty years, women writers have overhauled the traditionally male dominated genre of crime fiction by writing about strong female characters who drive the plot and solve the crimes. Authors including Val McDermid, Denise Mina and Lin Anderson are just a few of the women who have challenged the expectation of gender and genre. By setting their novels in contemporary society they reflect a range of social and political issues through the lens of a female protagonist. By closely examining the female characters, both journalists, in Val McDermid’s Lindsay Gordon series and Denise Mina’s Paddy Meehan series, I wish to explore the issue of gender through these writers’ perspectives. This essay documents the influence of these writers on my own practice-based research which involves writing a crime novel set in a post referendum Scotland. I examine a progressive and contemporary Scottish society, where women hold many senior positions in public life, and investigate whether this has an effect on the outcome of crimes. Through this narrative, my main character will focus on the current and largely hidden crimes of human trafficking and domestic abuse. By doing this I examine the ways in which the modern crime novel has evolved to cross genre boundaries. In addition to focusing on a crime, the victims and witnesses, today’s crime novels are tackling social issues to reflect society’s changing attitudes and values.


2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Punit Pruthi ◽  
Pramod Arora ◽  
Manoj Mittal ◽  
Anugrah Nair ◽  
Waqia Sultana

Venipuncture is one of the most commonly done medical procedures. We report a unique case of a 23-year-old young male who presented with features suggestive of inflammatory arthritis. The symptoms, which initially started on the right side, also involved the other side after a few weeks. Although the patient’s symptoms and signs were simulating inflammatory arthritis, he had atypical features like poor response to anti-inflammatory medicines and normal laboratory parameters. His musculoskeletal ultrasonography was also not suggestive of arthritis. His history was reviewed and on direct questioning he revealed a history of venipuncture for blood sample withdrawal, done from right antecubital region for routine health check on the day prior to the onset of symptoms. Complex regional pain syndrome was suspected and triple-phase radioisotope bone scan was done which was highly suggestive of this diagnosis. The patient was managed with multidimensional approach and responded very well to the treatment. Complex regional pain syndrome is usually not thought of in the initial differential diagnosis of inflammatory arthritis. In this report we highlight the need to elicit the often overlooked history of trivial trauma like venipuncture, especially in atypical cases of arthritis. Also the role of newer diagnostic modalities in such cases is emphasized.


2021 ◽  
Vol 130 (4) ◽  
pp. 987-992
Author(s):  
Giacomo Pucci ◽  
Stefano Ministrini ◽  
Elisa Nulli Migliola ◽  
Luisa Nunziangeli ◽  
Francesca Battista ◽  
...  

Serum myostatin, a proteic compound known to regulate skeletal muscle growth and production of extracellular matrix, is independently associated with increased aortic stiffness in healthy male adolescents. This result sheds lights on the potential novel role of myokines in the early development of systemic hypertension and early vascular aging, as well as on their inhibition as a hypothetical therapeutic strategy to counteract vascular aging at an early stage of physical development.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document