uncompromising musicianship... breathtaking precision and dimension...Nuances of phrasing that place the Trio among the world's finest chamber ensemble -San Angelo Standard Times
The Zodiac Trio closes out the 2021-2022 Arts&Ideas Performing Arts Series with an eclectic concert that will include a little something for everyone. One of today's premiere clarinet-violin-piano ensembles, the Zodiac Trio is known for presenting masterpieces for their unconventional instrumentation alongside hidden gems, arrangements, and the occasional duo/solo in a concert experience marked with a special gusto, virtuosity and energy.
Inspired by Shakespeare's The Tempest, this jukebox musical is packed with rock 'n' roll classics such as Heard it Through the Grapevine, Young Girl, Good Vibrations, and Gloria. Blast off on a routine flight and crash into the planet D'Illyria where a sci fi version of The Tempest set to rock and roll golden oldies unfolds with glee. The planet is inhabited by a sinister scientist, Dr. Prospero; his delightful daughter Miranda; Ariel, a faithful robot on roller skates; and an uncontrollable monster, the product of Prospero's Id, whose tentacles penetrate the space craft.
The President's 14th Annual Art Exhibition highlights top artwork from Lewis Students and Alumni. This important juried exhibition and competition is hosted by the Department of Art and Design and sponsored by Dr. David Livingston, President of Lewis University. An informal discussion with winning artists from the show will take place at the Gallery Talk as part of Celebration of Scholarship on April 21.
Andrea Y. Rodriguez, Kasia Wolny, Zachary Klozik, Patricia Damocles, & Zakiya Cowan Lewis University graduates return to campus for a panel discussion to speak about their lives and work after obtaining a degree in English. Our five alums have taken different paths: some straight into graduate school and others into the workforce. They’ve been published, created short films, had babies, and continue to astound us with their accomplishments.
This long-standing series provides literary readings from a variety of national and regional writers: award-winning authors, contributors to Jet Fuel Review, as well as highlighting Lewis students’ and alumni’s original works.
Guest speakers include Rita Mookerjee and Carrie McGath.
Dr. Rita Mookerjee is the Ida B. Wells-Barnett Postdoctoral Fellow at DePaul University. She holds a PhD in Literature from Florida State University. In 2020, she was a Fulbright fellow in Kingston, Jamaica. Her poetry is featured in Juked, Hobart Pulp, New Orleans Review, the Offing, and the Baltimore Review. She is the co-founder of Honey Literary and the Assistant Poetry Editor at Split Lip Magazine. Her book FALSE OFFERING is forthcoming from JackLeg Press.
Carrie McGath is a doctoral student in the Program for Writers at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Her first collection of poems, SMALL MURDERS, was released in 2006 by New Issues Poetry and Prose. She is at work on her second full-length collection of poems tentatively titled, THE LUCK OF ANHEDONIA.
Experience the historic Mark Twain! In this one-of-a-kind show, Warren Brown brings the famed American writer to life and talks about his life and the philosophies which made him the unique personality and writer known throughout the world. If you have ever wished to ask a question of Mark Twain join us for this interactive dialogue and performance.
Warren Brown is one of the premier Mark Twain impersonators. He has spent his life learning about the real Mark Twain and has traveled the country interacting audiences to bring Mark Twain back to life. Through his performances, people can once again hear of Mark Twain's life adventures and world views.
I want to see the world, not by the whole, but by the all too beautiful small things.
These words, written by Ryan Harris, were the catalyst for LYNX Project's Amplify Series, a project setting the words of autistic youth who are primarily nonspeaking to song for voice and piano. Started in 2016, from an initial collaboration with Ryan and his peers, the Amplify Series has grown into a multi-year project that has shared the voices and artistry of dozens of youth, composers, and performers.
The words of these young writers have brought smiles and tears to audiences across the country, and members of the autism community have expressed feeling heard, valued, and seen through these concerts. Now, LYNX is bringing their Amplify Series to Lewis University.
Join us for an evening celebrating these songs and come to understand individuals whose voices are valuable but so rarely heard.
This chilling mystery thriller by the author of Rosemary's Baby explores the thin line between fantasy and reality, madness and murder. Students Susan and Larry find themselves as guests enticed to the Brabissant mansion by its dissolute caretakers the lonely Mackeys. Struck by Susan's strong resemblance to Veronica Brabissant, long- dead daughter of the family for whom they work, the older couple gradually induce her to impersonate Veronica briefly to solace the only living Brabissant, her addled sister who believes Veronica alive. Once dressed in Veronica's clothes, Susan finds herself locked in the role and locked in Veronica's room. Or is she Veronica, in 1935, pretending to be an imaginary Susan?
Benjamin F. Calvert III is a third-generation printmaker. His passion for nature is reflected in his use of wood blocks to create relief prints on paper and canvas. Life experiences are translated to two-dimensional works of art.
More information about the artist: https://www.benjamincalvert.com
It is December 1936, and Broadway star William Gillette, admired the world over for his leading role in the play Sherlock Holmes, has invited his fellow cast members to his Connecticut castle for a weekend of revelry. But when one of the guests is stabbed to death, the festivities in this isolated house of tricks and mirrors quickly turn dangerous. It is then up to Gillette himself, as he assumes the persona of his beloved Holmes, to track down the killer before the next victim appears. The danger and hilarity are non-stop in this glittering whodunit set during the Christmas holidays.
Mark Swain is an Illinois artist. After graduating from Lewis University in 1993, with a BA in Art, he went on to complete his MFA in Painting at Northern Illinois University. Mark's work is representational in nature, portraying the play of light on a variety of surfaces. Mark has been at Lewis for 23 years, where he teaches primarily painting and drawing.
Sister Ilia Delio, OSF "God-World Holism: Science and the Mystery of Matter" Description: Building on the notion of "implicate order" as expressed by the theoretical physicist David Bohm, this talk will explore ways science is disclosing a new relationship between mind and matter. Furthermore, it will discuss the implications of the idea of "relational holism" in quantum mechanics for theology and interfaith dialogue. The Brother Bernard Rapp, FSC Lecture on Faith & Science brings to campus scholars who explore the dynamic harmony and tensions of the Catholic faith and the scientific disciplines. Grounded in Lewis University's mission values of knowledge, wisdom, and fidelity, the lecture series promotes dialogue, exploration, and discovery while shedding light on the mysteries of the human spirit. The lecture is part of a series of presentations taking place during the Fall semester that explore the intersection of faith and science as well as Lewis University's Cumbee Catholic Scholars Initiative.
Motus Theater's JustUs Monologues: Stories from the Frontlines of the Criminal Legal System with Music from The ReMINDers
Join Motus Theater for a special presentation of their JustUs Monologues: Stories from the Frontlines of the Criminal Legal System with Music from The ReMINDers. Hear leaders who were formerly incarcerated share artfully crafted autobiographical monologues about the impact of the criminal legal system on them and their families. Monologues will be woven with inspiring musical responses by nationally-acclaimed singers, The ReMINDers.
This performance will be coming to you in-person and live streamed from the Phillip Lynch Theatre at Lewis University. A perfect event for thoughtful dialogue and reflection on the ongoing civil rights and racial justice challenges of the criminal legal system.
Winners of the 2020 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition and the 2019 Plowman Chamber Music Competition, the Colere Quartet comes to Lewis to present an exciting concert of music written for saxophone quartet. Founded in 2017, the Colere Quartet is comprised of saxophonists John Cummins, Elissa Kana, Greg Rife, and Dennis Kwok. Colere is a Latin word meaning "to cultivate." This name was inspired by expansive farmland in America's heartland, and the group's commitment to cultivating musical life in the Midwest and beyond. You will not want to miss this concert of vibrant music played by one of the top saxophone quartets today.
Visit colerequartet.com for more information about this dynamic saxophone quartet.
Cellist Craig Hultgren has been active in new music for decades. He now resides outside of Decorah, Iowa as the farmer-cellist. The New York Classical Review commented that he, "...played with impressive poise and sensitivity..." for Dorothy Hindman's retrospective at Carnegie Hall. A recipient of two Artist Fellowships from the Alabama State Council on the Arts, he was a member for many years of Thámyris, a contemporary chamber music ensemble in Atlanta. He is a founding member of Luna Nova, a new music ensemble with a large repertoire of performances available on iTunes. For ten years, he produced the Hultgren Solo Cello Works Biennial, an international competition that highlighted the best new compositions for the instrument. Currently, he is Vice President of the Oneota Valley Community Orchestra Board of Directors in Decorah and serves as Chair for the Iowa Composers Forum.
This performance will feature "Fifteen-Minutes-of-Fame" (15 one-minute compositions) on the theme of pataphysics. Pataphysics is the science of creating solutions to problems that don't exist. This concert will also feature additional works by living composers. Join us for an exciting performance by one of the most gifted interpreters of newly written music for cello.
Dr. Kristín Jónína Taylor is an Icelandic-American pianist who has been enthusiastically received for her performances of Nordic piano works, including the North American premiere of Jón Nordal's Piano Concerto in 2003 and programs by invitation in Washington D.C. for the Ambassador of Iceland and President Vigdís Finnbogadóttir. She performed widely in the U.S. as well as in Iceland, France, the Czech Republic, Belgium, Sweden, Austria, Serbia, Canada, Latvia, and Lithuania. Dr. Taylor was the Grand Prize Winner of the Naftzger Young Artist Competition, a national finalist in the Music Teacher's National Association Young Chang Collegiate Competition, and a finalist in the Solo Piano Professional Division of The American Prize. She was a soloist with several orchestras gave a performance of an all-Schumann program at the internationally prestigious Reykjavík Arts Festival.
Kristíín was the recipient of a Fulbright grant to Iceland in 2004-2005 to conduct research for her doctoral thesis on Jón Nordal's Piano Concerto. She received another Fulbright Scholar grant award to Iceland for the Fall of 2010 to research the music of Þorkell Sigurbjörnsson. She released four professional recordings on the Pólarfónía, Smekkleysa, Iceland Music Information Centre, and MarkMasters labels.
Kristín is the Assistant Professor of Piano and Keyboard Area Coordinator at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She serves as President of the Central Regional Chapter of College Music Society and President-Elect of the Omaha Music Teachers Association.
ristín Jónína Taylor is a Steinway Artist and is a member of the Steinway Teacher Hall of Fame.
As one review wrote, Andrew White is a "... a formidable interpreter ... Every song composer should be so lucky with collaborators." A baritone who currently teaches at the University of Nebraska-Kearney, Dr. White has performed in concerts and on festivals around the world. He has an extensive background in opera and concert appearances including being selected to participate in the Cleveland Art Song Festival six times, appearing as a featured artist on the 1996 festival. He won the VARN competition in 1997 and was First Prize winner of the 1995 Richardson Awards Vocal Competition. A champion of new music for voice, Dr. White has premiered new works for baritone voice that fosters and broadens the art song genre, and this concert will feature new songs chosen from a recent international call for submissions. Join us for an evening of new and innovative works for baritone voice in the St. Charles Borromeo Convocation Hall.
Known for creating deep connections with audiences through engaging repertoire and inspiring performances, Chamber Project Saint Louis will perform a diverse program of chamber music in the beautiful St. Charles Borromeo Convocation Hall. Founded in 2007, Chamber Project Saint Louis began with one goal: connect with audiences in a meaningful way. This collective of outstanding musicians have done just that by challenging classical music stereotypes, relating not only to the seasoned classical expert but also to those new to concert music. Since their founding, Chamber Project Saint Louis has confronted what it means to be a "classical chamber ensemble" often performing in non-traditional venues and playing music with atypical and exciting instrumentations. What results is a musical experience where the audience is the focus, and performances that build a community.
Grammy-nominated Victor Garcia is a musical force to be reckoned with. Examiner.com's Neil Tesser calls him "one of the most exciting young musicians." Chicago Tribune's Howard Reich says that he "stands out as an ebullient soloist offering a formidable technique and a radiantly polished tone." JazzChicago.net's Brad Walseth regards him as a "young lion trumpeter."
Join Victor Garcia and his quintet at Lewis University in a concert featuring music from his latest albums.
Lewis University English Studies alumni will return to discuss their lives and careers post-graduation, and to answer questions for potential English majors and minors. Alumni Career Panel include Bianca Apato, Dom Dusek, Stephanie Karas, Sam Moffett, & Tim Ochoa
Guest authors Hadara Bar-Nadav & Ananda Lima will be visiting to read from their award-winning collections.
JFR editors along with faculty, alumni, and staff will be reading editorial selections from Jet Fuel Review to celebrate their #24 launch!
Editors from Lewis University's online literary journal Jet Fuel Review as well as alumni, faculty, and staff from a variety of departments will read published creative work--fiction, creative nonfiction and poetry--that is gathered both nationally and internationally.
The President's 15th Annual Art Exhibition highlights the top artwork from Lewis Students and Alumni. This important juried exhibition is hosted by the Department of Art and Design and sponsored by Dr. David Livingston, President of Lewis University.
Whether triggered by a conceptual, metaphoric, or formalist set of assumptions, Havlis, Dallas, Kronquist, and Roberts have a common interest in the ambiguous space between representation and abstraction. Each artist intuitively experiments with materials in distinctly different ways to explore various possibilities of abstract expression.
Didaar, meaning "meet-up," in Persian, is an art collective established in April 2018 in Chicago with the aim to promote and practice discussion, communication, and collaboration among Iranian artists, art historians, and those active in the field of Iranian arts. Didaar Art Collective held its first exhibition, Space: Chapter One, in April-May 2021 in Oliva Gallery (Chicago) as part of an investigation of the representations of space in the visual arts. Bringing together selected drawings and non-photographic print media such as etching, lithography, drypoint, and monotype, this juried show exhibited the practices of a group of emerging Iranian artists. The range of the works selected for the show visualized the perception or an idea of space in its personal and social connotations in addition to its usual physical and phenomenological attributes. In continuation with the ongoing inquiry into the theme of space, Didaar Art Collective will hold its second exhibition, Space: Chapter Two, at Lewis University from November 3 to 29, 2022. This show is a group exhibition that focuses on architectural representations in the works of visual art across different media.
More information about the artist: https://didaar.org/en
William Blake is a graduate of the University of Illinois. He holds a Masters of Fine Arts from the Tyler School of Art at Temple University and currently teaches at Harper College. The paintings he creates come from a life-long interest in the populist sub-culture of reenactment. His work has been published in Fine Art Connoisseur, New American Paintings, The Chicago Tribune, and American Art Collector.
More information about the artist:
https://www.williamblakeart.com
Imagination is where German born artist, Eve Ozer, lived in her early years. She created a mythical mirror twin named Ila and a world of unlimited magic possibilities. In other words, a born storyteller. Using paper & paint, this body of work, in three acts, took 71 years to complete.
More information about the artist: https://www.eveozer.com/home
This ambitious play examines an almost forgotten chapter in showbiz history: In 1918 the engineer of a military train fell asleep at the wheel and plowed through the railway cars belonging to the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus. Eighty-seven of the circus people were killed and many of the dead were never identified. Roustabout provides beguiling narratives for three of those lost to history, interweaving their stories with a broad meditation on the transience of the theatrical experience and the costs of war. Roustabout attempts to find life, hope, and cheer in the stories, both told and untold, of the victims. Roustabout is described as a cheerful eulogy exploring the nature of performance, self and tragedy.
Just in time for the holiday season, the Philip Lynch Theatre presents a radio play adaptation of Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol. The holiday classic comes to life as a live 1940s radio broadcast, complete with vintage commercials and the magic of live sound effects and musical underscoring. A handful of actors bring dozens of characters to the stage, as the familiar story unfolds: three ghosts take Ebenezer Scrooge on a thrilling journey to teach him the true meaning of Christmas. A charming take on a family favorite that will leave no one saying "Bah Humbug!"
A historical poetic story of the conquest of Mexico seen through the eyes of a young boy who struggles to save his world from the conquistador. This story is ultimately about hope and the struggle to find the courage to persist against all odds. It is the intimate story of a boy and his brother who are forced to take sides - one brother joining the conquest against the Aztecs and the other fighting to preserve the memory of his ancestors and culture that was being brutally erased. This journey of struggle and transition is also a universal one that resonates across historical and geographical boundaries. The Sun Serpent is a story that portrays the strength of the human spirit.
Charles Schulz's beloved comic strip is brought to life in this classic musical! Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the entire Peanuts gang explore life's great questions as they play baseball, struggle with homework, sing songs, swoon over their crushes, and celebrate the joy of friendship. Familiar, fresh, and fun, join us in rediscovering these favorite characters! Included is Lucy's infatuation with Schroeder and her perverse joy at tormenting Charlie Brown, Linus's love of his blanket, Snoopy's rich world of imagination, and, of course, Charlie Brown's hopeless love-at-a-distance of the mysterious little redheaded girl.
Gather with friends and family for the USAF Band of Mid-America’s FREE Veterans Day Concert Series! These family-friend 90-minute concerts feature the unit’s 45-member concert band, and will honor our nation’s veterans, share stories of their sacrifices, and reflect on all that makes us flourish as individuals and as a nation. In addition to spectacular marches and patriotic music, the concert will include Broadway tunes, jazz selections, and more.
The Pete Ellman Big Band has been entertaining Chicagoland audiences since 2009 performing at locations such as Mullen's in Lisle and Fitzgerald's in Oak Park. Committed to developing the next generation of jazz musicians, Pete and his band are often guest clinicians throughout the area. Join us as we celebrate big band jazz at Lewis with Pete Ellman and his band.
LAS MAGNIFICAS is a Chamber Music Theatre piece for singing actress and trio (cello, piano and percussion) exploring the lives and times of three towering figures in Latin American cultural history: the iconic Mexican Ranchera singer Chavela Vargas, Cuban Singer Celia Cruz, 'The Queen of Salsa" and Chilean Singer Violeta Parra, the Mother of Latin American Folk Music. Text by Marjorie Agosin. Music to include songs made famous by the artists: Tu Voz, Gracias a la Vida, La Vida es un Carnaval, La Llorona and Volver a los 17. as well as instrumental music by Latin American Composers: Ernesto Lecuona, Eduardo Sanchez de Fuentes, Jose Alfredo Jimenez, Victor Jara, and Tania Leon.
Featured regularly on Chicago’s premiere jazz radio station, WDCB 90.9 FM, Matt Shevitz is an in‐demand musician in the jazz, blues, and popular music scenes of the Chicago area. He has performed with many internationally renowned musicians such as Dick Hyman, Ignacio Berroa, Howard Levy, Frank Capp, Frank Wess, Eric Lindell, and Spare Parts. This concert will feature works from his albums Forward Motion (2018) and First Take! Live on WDCB (2022), an album of songs recorded during live broadcasts for WDCB 90.9 FM. Join us for an incredible jazz experience with one of the preeminent Chicago saxophonists working today.
Two visiting authors will be reading from their newly published work and providing a Q and A session: Jameka Williams and Aricka Foreman. Jameka Williams s holds an MFA in poetry from Northwestern University and is the author of American Sex Tape, winner of the 2022 Brittingham Prize in Poetry from the Wisconsin Poetry Series. She works as a Production Assistant & Editor at Haymarket Books. Aricka Foreman is the author of Salt Body Shimmer from Yes Yes Books and has fellowships from Cave Canem, Callaloo, and the Millay Colony for the Arts. She is a publicist for Haymarket Books.
Editors from Lewis University's online literary journal Jet Fuel Review as well as alums, faculty, and staff, from a variety of departments, will read published creative work--fiction, creative nonfiction and poetry--that is gathered both nationally and internationally.
More information coming soon!
More information coming soon!
More information coming soon!
More information coming soon!
The little prince may have returned to his own tiny planet, to tend his Rose and look after his Sheep, before a short, enchanted time, he returns to us and comes alive on stage. This play tells the story of a world, weary and disenchanted Aviator, who sputtering plane strands him in the Sahara desert, and a mysterious, regal "little man" who appears an ask him to "Please, sir, draw me a sheep." During their two weeks together in the desert, the Little Prince tells the Aviator about his adventures through the galaxy, how he met the Lamplighter and the Businessman and the Geographer, and about his strained relationship with a very special flower on his own tiny planet. The Little Prince talks to everyone, he meets: a garden of roses, the Snake and a Fox who wishes to be tamed. From each, he gains a unique insight which he shares with the Aviator: "It is only with the heart that one can see rightly." "What is essential is invisible to the eye." At length, both the little man and the Aviator must go home – each with a new understanding of how to laugh, cry and love again.
Hilariously, everything which can go wrong in a production does so. II Fornicazione is a "grim" tale of operatic adultery, poison, and mayhem. Streuth is the crime story Agatha Christie would never have dared to write. A Collier's Tuesday Tea combines the kitchen with the coal mine with an irreverent glance at D.H. Lawrence. All's Well that Ends As You Like It pushes the genius of the bard to its limit while filching lines from most of his plays. In all, cues are missed, effects fail, and props are lost and confusion reigns, but the coarse actors struggle on.
The teachers of Tumbldn high school don't live in an inspirational teacher movie. They bring mouse traps from home, they make the toilet paper last, and they show up for the kids nobody else shows up for. So when the school is slated for closure at the end of the year, and the weight of the inevitable bears down on the community, students and teachers alike, discover their breaking points. Ricky, the vice principal has stayed firmly on the sidelines for all of the teachers previous battles, but now in the 11th hour, he's compelled to step up with a plan to save the school. Some risk their futures to follow his lead, but does he actually have any idea what he's doing? spiked with humor and brimming with fury, Exit Strategy is an exhilarating call to arms about what we owe each other.
"Godspell" was the first major musical theater offering from three-time Grammy and Academy Award winner, Stephen Schwartz, (Wicked, Pippin, Children of Eden); and it took the world by storm. Led by the international hit, "Day by Day", Godspell (2012) features a parade beloved songs, including "Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord", "Learn your Lessons Well", "All for the Best", "All God Gifts", "Turn Back, O Man" and "By My Side". A small group of people help Jesus Christ, tell different parables by using a wide variety of games, storytelling techniques, and a hefty dose of comic timing. An eclectic blend of songs, ranging in style from pop to vaudeville, is employed as the story of Jesus' life dances across the stage. Dissolving hauntingly into the Last Supper and the Crucifixion, Jesus' messages of kindness, tolerance, and love come vibrantly to life. Boasting a score with chart-topping songs, a book by a visionary playwright (John-Michael Tebalak) and a feature film, Godspell (2012) is a sensation that continues to touch audiences.
Dr. Jamil Mustafa (English Studies) will draw on his new book, The Blaxploitation Horror Film: Adaptation, Appropriation and the Gothic, to discuss how mainstream and Blaxploitation horror films interpret and adapt classic Gothic tales.
Purchase Book on Amazon
Sponsored by the Film Studies Program, we will screen four short films that have won or been nominated for major awards from the Hollywood academy and film festivals around the world. Dr. Christopher Wielgos, Director of Film Studies, will host, guide conversation and answer any questions.
English Studies professor, Dr. Philippian, will discuss his new co-edited collection Inclusive Shakespeares: Identity, Pedagogy, Performance (Palgrave, September 2023), a volume that responds to the growing concern to make Shakespeare Studies inclusive of prospective students, teachers, performers, and audiences who have occupied a historically marginalized position in relation to Shakespeare's poetry and plays.
Purchase Book on Amazon
A rapidly changing climate, accelerated by human actions (or inaction), impacts creation and the human community in multiple and complex ways. We're nearing a point when the effects of climate change will become irreversible. Communities of Color, including Indigenous peoples, regions struggling with poverty, and women with children are facing far greater consequences from our collective choices as individuals, nations, and corporations. Failure to act strategically with urgency is exacerbating ecological trauma to our earth, the compromise of health in vulnerable populations of human beings, animals and plants, and increasing the occurrence of devastating 'natural' disasters.
The 2023 Peace Teach-In seeks to explore the interdisciplinary and intersectional complexities of climate change and to seek responses together that will grow environmental justice and create greater health equity in our communities, nation and world.
Dr. Joe Kozminski (moderator)
D'Arcy Great Room
Dr. Jerry Kavouras
D'Arcy Great Room
Dr. Tina Bobo (moderator)
D'Arcy Great Room
Dr. Laurette Liesen
D'Arcy Great Room
Dr. Tina Bobo (moderator)
D'Arcy Great Room
Dr. Dominic Colonna and Venus Wozniak
D'Arcy Great Room
Dr. Christie Billups (moderator)
D'Arcy Great Room
Dr. Tom McNamara
D'Arcy Great Room
Dr. Chris White
D'Arcy Great Room
Leah Thomas
St. Charles Borromeo Convocation Hall
More Information
Join Dr. Tina Bobo for a discussion on new technologies and treatments in medicine during this presentation, which is part of the Peace Teach-in Series.
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