7:30–9:00 p.m.
The University of Oregon, in conjunction with SPA/LCC Theatre, presents Them by Palestinian/Australian playwright Samah Sabawi, directed by Malek Najjar. This touring production runs at LCC’s Blue Door Theatre July 24, 25, 26, 31, August 1, 2 at 7:30 p.m., and August 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23 at the Portland Center Stage Ellyn Bye Studio at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 for adults, $18 for seniors, and $15 for students. This production is supported by The Very Little Theatre. There will be an ASL interpreted performances July 31.
Them is award-winning playwright Samah Sabawi’s powerful drama about war, hope, and survival. Through the use of humor, laughter, and song, Them transports audiences into the extraordinary circumstances that reveal their shared humanity and the ordinary moments that shape their lives. Sabawi says, “Any of us could be them. Our lives, even in tragic moments, have moments of humanity and humor and love and kindness… I wrote Them to bring the music, the humor, and love as well as the horrific reality of life in a war zone.” The play, written in 2015, was in response to the heightening anti-immigrant tensions she witnessed while living in Finland and Australia. “The divisive ‘us’ and ‘them’ dehumanizing discourse is prevalent in many western liberal nations,” Sabawi says.
Them is directed by University of Oregon Theatre Arts Professor Malek Najjar, who has been awarded the 2025 University of Oregon Presidential Fellow in Arts Award and the James F. Miller Artistic Development Fund for Faculty in Theatre Arts. Najjar, who is an award-winning director and scholar who focuses his artistic practice and scholarship on Arab American and Middle Eastern American Theatre, chose to produce and direct Them as his response to the rising anti-immigrant, anti-Middle Eastern sentiment he has witnessed since the last U.S. presidential election. “We are facing unprecedented attacks on artistic expression, academic freedom, and immigrants in this country,” Najjar says. “Them is an attempt to give value to the lives of those who are suffering in wars and conflicts that are funded and perpetuated by western powers that have turned a blind eye to the plight of millions of innocent civilians who are dying every day.”
The play features Portland-based actor Dré Slaman, and Eugene-based actors Zayne Clayton, Akash Dhruva, Manny Rojas Meza, and Trevor Tarantino. Live music will be performed by “Acoustic Pilgrims” aka Wayne and Denise Gilbertson.
Tickets are available at https://blogs.uoregon.edu/them/
Tickets will also be sold at the door one hour before curtain at each venue.
7:30–9:00 p.m.
The University of Oregon, in conjunction with SPA/LCC Theatre, presents Them by Palestinian/Australian playwright Samah Sabawi, directed by Malek Najjar. This touring production runs at LCC’s Blue Door Theatre July 24, 25, 26, 31, August 1, 2 at 7:30 p.m., and August 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23 at the Portland Center Stage Ellyn Bye Studio at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 for adults, $18 for seniors, and $15 for students. This production is supported by The Very Little Theatre. There will be an ASL interpreted performances July 31.
Them is award-winning playwright Samah Sabawi’s powerful drama about war, hope, and survival. Through the use of humor, laughter, and song, Them transports audiences into the extraordinary circumstances that reveal their shared humanity and the ordinary moments that shape their lives. Sabawi says, “Any of us could be them. Our lives, even in tragic moments, have moments of humanity and humor and love and kindness… I wrote Them to bring the music, the humor, and love as well as the horrific reality of life in a war zone.” The play, written in 2015, was in response to the heightening anti-immigrant tensions she witnessed while living in Finland and Australia. “The divisive ‘us’ and ‘them’ dehumanizing discourse is prevalent in many western liberal nations,” Sabawi says.
Them is directed by University of Oregon Theatre Arts Professor Malek Najjar, who has been awarded the 2025 University of Oregon Presidential Fellow in Arts Award and the James F. Miller Artistic Development Fund for Faculty in Theatre Arts. Najjar, who is an award-winning director and scholar who focuses his artistic practice and scholarship on Arab American and Middle Eastern American Theatre, chose to produce and direct Them as his response to the rising anti-immigrant, anti-Middle Eastern sentiment he has witnessed since the last U.S. presidential election. “We are facing unprecedented attacks on artistic expression, academic freedom, and immigrants in this country,” Najjar says. “Them is an attempt to give value to the lives of those who are suffering in wars and conflicts that are funded and perpetuated by western powers that have turned a blind eye to the plight of millions of innocent civilians who are dying every day.”
The play features Portland-based actor Dré Slaman, and Eugene-based actors Zayne Clayton, Akash Dhruva, Manny Rojas Meza, and Trevor Tarantino. Live music will be performed by “Acoustic Pilgrims” aka Wayne and Denise Gilbertson.
Tickets are available at https://blogs.uoregon.edu/them/
Tickets will also be sold at the door one hour before curtain at each venue.
7:30–9:00 p.m.
The University of Oregon, in conjunction with SPA/LCC Theatre, presents Them by Palestinian/Australian playwright Samah Sabawi, directed by Malek Najjar. This touring production runs at LCC’s Blue Door Theatre July 24, 25, 26, 31, August 1, 2 at 7:30 p.m., and August 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23 at the Portland Center Stage Ellyn Bye Studio at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 for adults, $18 for seniors, and $15 for students. This production is supported by The Very Little Theatre. There will be an ASL interpreted performances July 31.
Them is award-winning playwright Samah Sabawi’s powerful drama about war, hope, and survival. Through the use of humor, laughter, and song, Them transports audiences into the extraordinary circumstances that reveal their shared humanity and the ordinary moments that shape their lives. Sabawi says, “Any of us could be them. Our lives, even in tragic moments, have moments of humanity and humor and love and kindness… I wrote Them to bring the music, the humor, and love as well as the horrific reality of life in a war zone.” The play, written in 2015, was in response to the heightening anti-immigrant tensions she witnessed while living in Finland and Australia. “The divisive ‘us’ and ‘them’ dehumanizing discourse is prevalent in many western liberal nations,” Sabawi says.
Them is directed by University of Oregon Theatre Arts Professor Malek Najjar, who has been awarded the 2025 University of Oregon Presidential Fellow in Arts Award and the James F. Miller Artistic Development Fund for Faculty in Theatre Arts. Najjar, who is an award-winning director and scholar who focuses his artistic practice and scholarship on Arab American and Middle Eastern American Theatre, chose to produce and direct Them as his response to the rising anti-immigrant, anti-Middle Eastern sentiment he has witnessed since the last U.S. presidential election. “We are facing unprecedented attacks on artistic expression, academic freedom, and immigrants in this country,” Najjar says. “Them is an attempt to give value to the lives of those who are suffering in wars and conflicts that are funded and perpetuated by western powers that have turned a blind eye to the plight of millions of innocent civilians who are dying every day.”
The play features Portland-based actor Dré Slaman, and Eugene-based actors Zayne Clayton, Akash Dhruva, Manny Rojas Meza, and Trevor Tarantino. Live music will be performed by “Acoustic Pilgrims” aka Wayne and Denise Gilbertson.
Tickets are available at https://blogs.uoregon.edu/them/
Tickets will also be sold at the door one hour before curtain at each venue.
4:00–6:00 p.m.
The University of Oregon Department of Cinema Studies invites UO alumni and faculty in the Los Angeles area to a summer social.
Cinema Studies is pleased to host a summer social for UO Cinema Studies alumni and faculty in the Los Angeles area! Join us for an informal gathering, conversation, and refreshments while connecting with CINE alumni and faculty in the Los Angeles area. This is a great opportunity for alumni involved in all aspects of film, TV, and media to help build a stronger UO cinema community in Los Angeles.
Tables in the back patio will be reserved.
For more information and to RSVP, please visit the Cinema Studies website.
Hosted by Associate Professors Masami Kawai and Daniel Gómez Steinhart, Cinema Studies
11:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Kick off the year right at the Graduate Student Welcome Lunch and Resource Fair! Come hang out with fellow new and returning grad students, explore the resource fair, and (best of all) enjoy some seriously delicious FREE food. You don’t want to miss it!
At the fair get connected with:
- UO Health Services
- Housing
- Student Funding
- Identity support groups
- Career Services
- Graduate student resources and more!
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Are you interested in exploring or finding a position in industry?
The Graduate Student & Postdoc Industry Recruitment Event (GSPIRE) is the perfect opportunity for individuals with advanced degrees and training to connect with various industries and organizations. The GSPIRE will take place virtually on October 23. We invite you to join us and connect with top employers and organizations seeking bright minds like yours.
All individuals, from first-year graduate students to postdocs and alumni, are welcome to participate in GSPIRE fairs. Whether you are considering a career in academia or industry, this event will provide valuable networking opportunities and the chance to explore and secure internships or professional employment in the industry. Sign up coming soon!
Graduating soon?
Individuals who are due to graduate in Dec 2025 or May/August/Dec 2026 are strongly encouraged to submit a resume (not a C.V.). It's valuable to submit a resume even if you are unable to attend the career fair, as all industry partners will receive all resumes submitted. Submitting a resume is not mandatory for event registration, but it is recommended for individuals pursuing a career in industry, as it allows industry partners to track your progress over the next few years.
The deadline for resume submissions is Monday, September 8 at 9:00pm Pacific Time. It is advised to submit resumes early to account for any potential technical difficulties. Adding a resume on Handshake is also recommended, as it is a useful platform for job searching and applications at your level.
5:00–7:30 p.m.
Please join the BEseries as we welcome Natalie Ball, Artist, Activitst, Klamath Tribes Tribal Council member,and UO Alumni! ASL Interpreted.
Natalie Ball was born and raised in Portland, Oregon. She has a Bachelor’s degree with a double major in Indigenous, Race & Ethnic Studies & Art from the University of Oregon. She furthered her education in Aotearoa (NZ) at Massey University, where she attained her Master’s degree with a focus on Indigenous contemporary art. Ball then relocated to her ancestral homelands in Southern Oregon and Northern California to raise her three children. In 2018, Natalie earned her M.F.A. degree in Painting & Printmaking at Yale School of Art. Her work has been shown nationally and internationally, and she is the recipient of many art accolades, both local and national. Natalie Ball is now an elected official serving a second term on the Klamath Tribes Tribal Council.
Social media: @natalie_m_ball
For updates on WHO is coming 2025-26 - follow BEseries on IG @uo_beseries
Doors & Dinner: 5:00pm buffet style, EMU Ballroom
Presentation: 6pm-7:00pm followed by Q&A 7-7:30pm
For details and more info on how to reserve a free dinner table for a group or a seat for you: message the team @uo_beseries Instagram.
Full list of BE Series event dates:
- October 14, 2024
- November 25, 2024
- January 20, 2025
- February 24, 2025
- April 14, 2025
- May 19, 2025
5:00 p.m.
What is Research? (2026) will explore various natures, purposes, and roles of research across disciplines, fields, and areas. The event will consider frameworks of systematic and creative inquiry, including methods, designs, analyses, discoveries, collaborations, dissemination, ethics, integrity, diversity, media/technologies, and information environments.
This year delves into research in its many forms, including searching, critically investigating, and re-examining existing knowledge, as well as emerging functions and procedures in machine intelligence and computation. It will highlight pluralities of research pathways, examining time-honored approaches and new ways of knowing, precedents, issues, and futures. It considers challenges and possibilities that researchers face in today’s rapidly changing world, and ways to promote ethical, inclusive, and impactful research.
The event celebrates the thirtieth anniversary of the Communication and Media Studies Doctoral Program in the School of Journalism and Communication at the University of Oregon.
What is Research? (2026) will explore various natures, purposes, and roles of research across disciplines, fields, and areas. The event will consider frameworks of systematic and creative inquiry, including methods, designs, analyses, discoveries, collaborations, dissemination, ethics, integrity, diversity, media/technologies, and information environments.
This year delves into research in its many forms, including searching, critically investigating, and re-examining existing knowledge, as well as emerging functions and procedures in machine intelligence and computation. It will highlight pluralities of research pathways, examining time-honored approaches and new ways of knowing, precedents, issues, and futures. It considers challenges and possibilities that researchers face in today’s rapidly changing world, and ways to promote ethical, inclusive, and impactful research.
The event celebrates the thirtieth anniversary of the Communication and Media Studies Doctoral Program in the School of Journalism and Communication at the University of Oregon.
What is Research? (2026) will explore various natures, purposes, and roles of research across disciplines, fields, and areas. The event will consider frameworks of systematic and creative inquiry, including methods, designs, analyses, discoveries, collaborations, dissemination, ethics, integrity, diversity, media/technologies, and information environments.
This year delves into research in its many forms, including searching, critically investigating, and re-examining existing knowledge, as well as emerging functions and procedures in machine intelligence and computation. It will highlight pluralities of research pathways, examining time-honored approaches and new ways of knowing, precedents, issues, and futures. It considers challenges and possibilities that researchers face in today’s rapidly changing world, and ways to promote ethical, inclusive, and impactful research.
The event celebrates the thirtieth anniversary of the Communication and Media Studies Doctoral Program in the School of Journalism and Communication at the University of Oregon.