Date: March 10, 2011
Contact: Carol Connelly, Director, Media & Communication Services, ext. 5267, cconnelly@pnc.edu

PNC Students Present “The Turning Points Of Life ”

WESTVILLE – Purdue University North Central students will present their annual Potpourri of Literature oral interpretation program on Thursday, March 31 at 11 a.m. and Sunday, April 3 at 2 p.m. in the Library-Student-Faculty Building Assembly Hall, Room 02. The program is free and open to the public. It will last about one hour.

The Potpourri of Literature program is presented by students in the Communication 240 class, Introduction to Oral Interpretation. The class focuses on the performance of all genres of literature before an audience. Based on the traditions of Reader's Theatre, the Potpourri of Literature features "readers" with a book or script present. Selections are performed in a presentational style in an environment that does not pretend to be anything other than a performance space. The program features a theme and examples of literature supporting it.

“The Turning Points Of Life” will present an original script written and edited by Dr. Daniel Padberg, associate professor of Communication, who teaches the Communication 240 class.

Padberg explains the theme, “Decisions and turning points in life are inevitable and cannot be avoided. The very fabric of life requires moments when each person must decide and ultimately act on some situation. Some decisions are based upon expectations and resultant actions could lead to shattered dreams. Sometimes the decisions of life are deeply rooted in our character, those unique qualities that represent our belief and moral attitudes and values. Often decisions are made where the results are positive or negative and end where situations are better or worse than expected.

“Throughout life we face decisions resulting in turning points each of which is shaped by our attitudes that evolve with age and experience. However, the most noble of the expectations and decisions of life are shaped by people who have the courage to act in ways that make a difference to many.”

Performers assume a variety of personas depending on the selection. The Reader's Theatre has been a fixture at PNC since 1989 as a result of a classroom activity.

Students in the Communication 240 Introduction To Oral Interpretation class are Dennis J. Aguillon, Michigan City; Amber N. Cox, Portage; Elizabeth M. Decker, Rolling Prairie; Colten L. Defluiter, Valparaiso; Stephanie A. Duff, LaPorte; Tacy M. Fletcher, LaPorte; Alphonse D. Futch, Westville; Danielle T. Landgrebe, Valparaiso; Kirstin E. Lestinsky, LaPorte; Allyssa K. Miller, Portage; Nicholas R. Neal, Westville; Lindsey A. Patty, Michigan City; Kevin C. Smith, Michigan City; William A. Smith, Westville; Caitlin D. Young, Valparaiso; Pamela L. Zerby, Valparaiso and Matthew F. Zlamal, Westville.

To obtain further information, contact Padberg at785-5200, ext. 5384. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations should contact Padberg.