University of South Carolina Libraries
'Cuc by DAVID SIMPSON The USC Theatre kicked off its new season this past weekend with an excellent performance of Dale Wasserman's play. "Cuckoo's Nest" concerns life in a state mental hospital and how it is in terrupted by the admission of a petty convict feigning madness. Seen more closely, however, the play is a coinment about social mediocrity and the repression of individualism. David Siskin was superb as Randel P. McMurphy, the boistrous, gambling Irishman who enters the hospital as ameans to escape work on the brink of the prison farm. Siskin captures the loose, carefree attitude of his character perfectly, as he at Chisholm: (Con't from Page 1) reordering of priorities at all levels and a commitment to the belief that any new priorities must be for all the people. Court deni run-off elect A petition alleging that secrecy of the ballot was not maintained in the last Senate election was denied by the USC Supreme Court. Run-off elections for two disputed Senate seats will be held on Wednesday, as previously scheduled. Petitioners David Ralph Henze and William B. Tyson claimed that secrecy was not maintained because ballots could not be folded, the location of the ballot area did not provide the appropriate protection to insure privacy, and the voter was asked to provide two forms of identification and sign the ballot. Doug Dent, chief justice, said, "There can be no doubt that the Supreme Court has jurisdiction over this matter. The issue of secrecy is a Constitutional one and the election has been conducted as required by the Constitution." The petition was denied by the court, but the petitioners were directed to present the case to the Election Commission. BLOOD DONORS NEEDED! IMMEDIATE CASH PAYMENT Age Limitations, 18-60 NEW HOURS 9:30 a.m. 'tIl 6 p.m. Mon.-Fri. 9:30 a.m. 'til 6 p.m. Sat. CAROLINA BLOOD BANK 1317 Taylor 253-6232 koo's Nes tempts to take over the ward from the strong influence of Nurse Ratched, nicely portrayed by Nancy Dennis. Much of the play is a constant duel between Mc Murphy, the individualist and Nurse Ratchet, the epitome of regulations and morality. Mc Murphy continually tries to .con vince the other inmates to think for themslves and to break away from the "Big Nurse's" authority. When ever he succeeds however, he is punished, even to the point of electric shock. Thus, the hospital, as well as society, has the upper hand on the "rejects" of life, working and tormenting them until they are molded into ideal specimens. Mike Fortner is excellect as Chief Bromden the giant Idian who don't hate Despite numerous claims of public apathy toward politics she said, "The mass awareness of the smallest man on the street leads him to stay away from the polls." His frustration will continue to keep him away until he is given a choice in politicians. Another job for the electorate is peace. She said, "We must make the issue of peace big business as we did with war. The goals of this social revolution must be the preservation of human life. None in this country can afford to become apolitical or apathetic." She charged two population segments with primary respon sibility. "Black people and women are going to have to save this house they laid the foundation for. Women and blacks together are powerful." ?s petition; ion date set "In the past, this appellant machinery of the Elections Commission has not functioned, and it is clear that the Senate passed a statute allowing the commission to hear election ap peals and determine the validity of the objection. The Court feels that this machinery should be given a chance to act," Dent said. Brunton and officials to discuss Pickens The Pickens Street issue will be discussed by Dean Harold Brun ton, David Spinnazzolo and High way Department officials Tuesday night at 9:00 in South Cafeteria. The discussion will be open to the public. "We're holding this discussion at the request of student government officials of South and South Tower who felt that there was still con fusion over the Pickens issue. This will be a discussion and not a debate," Bruntom said. . Roof Ja O A MON Welcome S 3 Locations'] 1221 T RosewoodJ She 503 12th St. 'W t' flies hic 'Su Siskin, left hides his emotions by playing deal and dumb. It is through several interludes however that he ex presses his unhappiness, his anger toward the hospital, and his desire to return to his home. It is through Bromden that McMurphy finally succeeds in beating the system, but only after he has been reduced to a vegetable by a lobotomy. Bromden receives the strength that Mc Murphy has lost and escapes, only after killing McMurphy, for this is 'tE e I - I h Get a sporting look a Fashions presented presented by us. Do Eat on awelers udent Credit ' Serve You aylor pping Center Columhia i in openi perb': ,and Fortner th" only way that the Irishman can ga .he final victory over Nurse Ratched. The lighting and technical ef Review fects by Jack Shirk are quite ef fective, adding to the dimensions of the play; and the set, designed by Terry Bennett creates the sterility and almost claustrophobic doseness of a hospital ward. 1 1 t pcttr ahon orFl byDvsns-uft nCp QrPieto campu. Uniersit DIg NOW SERIN BREKF 7:30-9:3 COLLEG A muI ng The performances on the whole were quite good, especially those of the inmates. It was a pleasant change to see those that are sup posedly insane making laughter instead of being laughed at. With a good play, good per formance, and good production, the theatre can be a marvelous event. So it was this weekend with "Cuckoo's Nest," One can only hope that the USC Theatre keeps it up. Fowler to Speak Don Fowler, chairman of the Democratic Party in South Carolina, will be giving a talk in room 323 of the Russell House Tuesday at 8 p.m. This is part of the Short Course lecture series on contemporary issues. ft,. Tedy O on ' a psRo ervice. WEEKDAYS ST*M BUGE SING