College News | Quick Read
The Show Must Go On
by Angela Daidone | Winter 2021
“The show must go on” is a phrase that originated in the 19th century but still rings true today. When the pandemic threatened to cancel performances, Ramapo students and staff refused to sit by. Innovative programs – performed under strict social distancing guidelines – delighted virtual audiences throughout the semester. Lisa Campbell, director of the Berrie Center for Performing and Visual Arts at Ramapo, said, “Early on I attended a webinar about how to pivot during these challenging times in the arts. That webinar caused Peter Campbell [Dean of Ramapo’s School of Contemporary Arts] and I to have a conversation which led to a staff retreat where we brainstormed ideas for programming. I credit my entire team with creating the programming we developed this year.”
As a result, the Berrie Center was able to offer unique performances and the response has been very positive, Campbell said.
![1-web Actors on stage in green light](https://www.ramapo.edu/magazine/wp-content/uploads/sites/343/2021/03/1-web.jpg)
Christy E. O’Connor, Leaning into the Unknown Act I
![7-web Actress rehearsing in the rehearsal room bring recorded by two cameramen](https://www.ramapo.edu/magazine/wp-content/uploads/sites/343/2021/03/7-web.jpg)
Marina Carriera, Leaning into the Unknown
![2-web Actress on stage looking into mirror](https://www.ramapo.edu/magazine/wp-content/uploads/sites/343/2021/03/2-web.jpg)
Christy E. O’Connor, Leaning into the Unknown Act I
![12-web2 Single dancer on stage](https://www.ramapo.edu/magazine/wp-content/uploads/sites/343/2021/03/12-web2.jpg)
Nai-Ni Chen Dance, Leaning into the Unknown Act I
![28-web Screen shot of three actors performing](https://www.ramapo.edu/magazine/wp-content/uploads/sites/343/2021/03/28-web.jpg)
RCNJ Theater, The Diaries of Adam and Eve
![8-web2 Two dancers performing at the bandshell performance](https://www.ramapo.edu/magazine/wp-content/uploads/sites/343/2021/03/8-web2.jpg)
Mignolo Dance, Leaning into the Unknown Act II
![9-web Percussionist playing drum on stage](https://www.ramapo.edu/magazine/wp-content/uploads/sites/343/2021/03/9-web.jpg)
Elizabeth Walsh, Made in Jersey
![11-web2 Two dancers in plastic bubbles performing at the bandshell](https://www.ramapo.edu/magazine/wp-content/uploads/sites/343/2021/03/11-web2.jpg)
The Moving Architects, Leaning into the Unknown Act II
![18-web Group of performers walking toward the Berrie Center](https://www.ramapo.edu/magazine/wp-content/uploads/sites/343/2021/03/18-web.jpg)
RCNJ Theater, Baltimore
![19-web Actress being interviewed in the York Room](https://www.ramapo.edu/magazine/wp-content/uploads/sites/343/2021/03/19-web.jpg)
RCNJ Theater, Baltimore
![24-web Advertisement for “Fantini Futuro” with professor playing custom horn](https://www.ramapo.edu/magazine/wp-content/uploads/sites/343/2021/03/24-web.jpg)
Bringing Home Berrie Faculty Series, featuring Professor Ben Neill
![25-web Screen shot of four people discussing Bringing Home Berrie “Now and Then”](https://www.ramapo.edu/magazine/wp-content/uploads/sites/343/2021/03/25-web.jpg)
Bringing Home Berrie Faculty Series, featuring Professor Gilad Cohen and alumni
![26-web Screen shot with Dean Campbell and two students discussing Bringing Home Berrie](https://www.ramapo.edu/magazine/wp-content/uploads/sites/343/2021/03/26-web.jpg)
Bringing Home Berrie Faculty Series, featuring Dean Peter Campbell
![15-web Screen shot of several performers wearing masks with the names of unarmed people of color killed by police](https://www.ramapo.edu/magazine/wp-content/uploads/sites/343/2021/03/15-web.jpg)
RCNJ Theater, Baltimore
![16-web Actress poised in the York Room in the Birch Mansion on campus](https://www.ramapo.edu/magazine/wp-content/uploads/sites/343/2021/03/16-web.jpg)
RCNJ Theater, Baltimore
Photography and screenshots provided by Ramapo College Berrie Center faculty and staff