The theatre department has brought diversity into its curriculum by producing more African American dramas, exploring more African American issues, and providing students with the opportunity to be creative and put on their own productions. S'thembile West is one of three African American professionals who have joined the department of theatre this academic year. West, a professional dancer, lectures at Temple University. While at Lehigh, she will be teaching African American Studies, African American Theatre - The Black Arts Movement and African American Literature. West feels Lehigh's theatre faculty and students have an innate understanding that the arts is the most viable way to get people to understand differences and diversity.
People come over here to relax and plug into their humanity.
In addition to West, this spring Kashi Johnson, a 1993 graduate of Lehigh who is currently teaching at the University of Pennsylvania, and Lorna Littleway, a professor at the University of Louisville, will join the theatre staff. The theatre department strongly encourages students to put on their own productions. Eshita Bakshi '00, a member of the Indian Student Association, directed and produced a show celebrating the anniversary of Ghandi in a Festival of Lights. This spring, Gino will be the first Asian student at Lehigh to direct his own work. I feel that I am providing an opportunity for Asian students to experience theater at Lehigh and to learn and have fun.