Kristian Rodriguez thinks getting people together on Sept. 11 might be a problem – but he’s figured out a way it could happen.

The Syracuse University junior drama major has been planning a street performance for the past month. It will take place at 1:30 p.m. today in the Quad. The event begins at 1 p.m. at the College Place bus stop for a briefing before the gathering.

Rodriguez wants it to be a forum for students to express themselves – about Sept. 11, 2001, laws, anger, the current administration or any other issues.

‘It’s not political. It’s not about the presidential election or the news,’ he said. ‘It’s really just about what everyone’s feeling about the genocides that are happening in the world today.’

The program isn’t an official university-sponsored event, though Rodriguez did receive help in planning the event from Stephen Cross, an assistant professor of movement in the College of Visual and Performing Arts.

The university is hosting its own events to mark the seventh anniversary. Hendricks Chapel is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and there will be a lecture at 4 p.m. in Bird Library. Werner Pfeiffer, an artist who wrote ‘Out of the Sky: 9/11, a Tribute,’ will speak about the book and his experience of watching the tragedy in person.

Also, at 4 p.m., there is an expert panel in Eggers Hall, during which speakers will discuss international and national security suggestions for the next administration.

Hendricks Chapel hosted an all-day commemoration and a memorial service last year. In past years, the university has hosted an interfaith remembrance service, an open mic night and a photography exhibit at the Light Work Gallery.

-Asst. copy editor Daniel Bortz contributed reporting to this article.

shmelike@syr.edu

Published on September 10, 2008 at 12:00 pm