Easter 2017

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HOLI FESTIVAL: A CELEBRATION OF COLOUR

OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF ROYAL HOLLOWAY STUDENTS’ UNION

EDITOR Holly Pyne DEPUTY EDITOR Louise Jones SUBEDITOR Rosalie Falla NEWS Anna Robinson Paco Tijdink COMMENT Abbie Cheeseman Cemre Camuz SCIENCE AND GAMING Grace Yeadon Alis Reid

NEWS

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ARMSTRONG GUN

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BOMB SCARE

Pub popular with students was broken into early in March this year.

Local school has suspected ‘bomb scare’ after false alarm.

FEATURES

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RHUL NEW LIBRARY

Joanne Archer talks about her recent tour of the new library site.

THE HINDU SOCIETY

Louise Jones spoke to Nishall Garala about Holi Festival and the plans this year,

FEATURES Yasmeen Frasso Stephanie Bagnall LIFESTYLE Annie Pantry Elizabeth Rosenberg ARTS Joanne Archer Elizabeth Carr SPORT & SOCIETIES Michele Theil Kathryn Pearson ONLINE Beth Gooding

SCIENCE

COMMENT

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RELIGION V SCIENCE

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MEDICAL MARVELS

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We are looking at the relationship between religion and science.

Grace Yeadon talks about how medical documentaries and patients’ portrayals

YOUR PRIVILEGE

Let’s talk about how and why you should accept your privilege.

VOGUE AND HIJAB

Sahar mahmood discusses the controversy surrounding Vogue’s covershoot.

OPERATIONS Nebiu Samuel PHOTOGRAPHY Cameron James Seymour DESIGN Holly Pyne Louise Jones Michele Theil Emma Halahan MARKETING AND SOCIAL MEDIA Emma Halahan ADVERTISING Hannah Foord

LIFESTYLE

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MAKE UP MISMATCH

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ROHOROSCOPES

EVENTS AND TRAINING Lis Carlton

Beth Gooding explores the make-up industry’s failure to match all skin-tones.

Annie Pantry predicts your life at Holloway for the next four weeks.

ARTS

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FEMALE REBELLION

Georgia Beith looks at the newly released Bollywood movie ‘Lipstick In Your Burkha;.

DIVERSITY IN DISNEY Our Arts Section explores the issue of diversity in Disney films.

CO-PRESIDENT SOCIETIES & MEDIA Pippa Gentry ADDRESS Media Suite, Students’ Union, Royal Holloway University of London, TW20 0EX WEBSITE theorbital.co.uk COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Cameron James Seymour

SPORTS AND SOCIETIES

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MENTAL HEALTH DAY Holly Pyne talks about attending a pop-up seminar hosted by the History department.

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RHUL’S GOT TALENT

Michele Theil writes about the Raise-AndGive charity talent show.

EDITORIAL

The Orbital’s Editor, Holly Pyne, says goodbye as we come to the end of second term. We’re going out with a bang as we centre on Holi Festival by Hindu Society. e’ve come to the end of the road, for this editorial team at least. Here is our Easter, and final, issue from our Editor and Deputy, Holly and Louise.

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As Editor this year, I hoped to contribute something positive to student experience at Royal Hollowaywhether that was to just one person on my board, or something bigger.

I have no idea if I have done that,

but I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and I hope the person who follows me has just as much fun. This role has provided me with so many friends, and I will always be grateful.

The board and members this year have been incredible. They dedicate immense amount of time to this magazine and it shows. We have also had the opportunity to showcase the amazing contributions of so many societies and sports, and they have

all been so welcoming to us. You make our job so much easier with the fantastic work you do - and the warmth you extend to us.

All that is left to say is, we hope you enjoy this issue! We have features from Hindu Society about Holi Festival, a ‘Behind the Scenes’ feature on the New Library construction, and Gigi Hadid’s controversial Vogue cover. If you have something to say about any articles, email editor@ theorbital.co.uk, and have your say!

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ARMSTRONG GUN BURGLED

Paco Tijdink reports on the Englefield Green Pub’s break-in.

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n Englefield Green pub favoured by students for its quizzes and karaoke nights has been burgled.

I only knew there was something wrong when I went downstairs and saw the devastation.

ARMSTRONG GUN

Photography Credit: Michele Theil

“I was very shaken up but it is just lucky that we weren’t downstairs at the time of the break-in.

at a pub in Victoria Street in Egham on Wednesday 1 March.

The theft happened as the manager slept upstairs.

“We will need to replace the locks and the rear door of the pub as that was what was used to break-in.”

“Between the hours of 1am and 7.30am an intruder gained access to the pub by breaking through a door to the back of the premises.

Money was stolen from the fruit machines and the till, and an iPad that was kept behind the bar also went missing.

The break-in comes just after the pub’s refurbishment, which has seen its décor modernised with exposed-brick walls and industrial-style lightbulbs.

“A quantity of money was reported stolen from two of the fruit machines and the till.”

Speaking to local paper, Get Surrey, the pub’s manager, Daniel Freeman, said: “It happened overnight without us realising,

It was reported by Surrey Police. A spokesperson had this to say: “Surrey Police received reports of a burglary

Anyone who has information that might assist the investigation should contact 101 quoting reference 45170021103.

The Armstrong Gun, situated on Victoria Street, was broken into overnight on Wednesday 1 March.

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SUSPECTED‘BOMB SCARE’ AT LOCAL SCHOOL Zara Gillick reports on the recent suspected ‘bomb scare’ at Magna Carta School, Egham.

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ust before 4pm on Friday 27 February 2017, Surrey Police and a bomb disposal team were called to the Magna Carta School in Egham when concerns were raised over an ‘item confiscated from a student’.

Staff at the school called the 101 nonemergency number about the object in the afternoon before the police arrived at the school and then contacted the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, who came shortly after.

A message was put out on the school’s Facebook page reassuring parents, students and staff, stating that although

it was a ‘false alarm’, it was dealt with ‘in accordance to school emergency procedures’.

Angela Jenkins, the school’s business manager, confirmed “we went through our usual procedures and reported it to police” who then decided they would attend the scene to investigate.

She added that “at no time was anyone at risk. At first the police were going to take it away but then they decided to call the bomb disposal team”.

As a result of the incident the school are now conducting their own investigation looking into way in which such scares can be prevented in the future.

FALSE ALARM

Procedures were followed after local school, Magna Carta School, after concerns were raised

A Surrey Police spokesperson released a statement saying that the “Police, as well as the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team, attended and the item was found to be harmless”.

The school will be speaking to the student concerned and hope that no events of a similar nature will occur in the future.

Zara Gillick

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DISADVANTAGED LESS LIKELY TO GO TO UNI Louise Jones writes about a recent study showing less advantaged teeenagers are less likely to go to university.

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eenagers from the most disadvantaged areas of the UK are four times less likely to apply for university than those from more well-off backgrounds, official figures have revealed.

Statistics suggest a young person’s chances of applying for an undergraduate course depend heavily on where they live, with the number of those planning to go on to higher education falling in some areas of the country.

The analysis follows concerns raised over a lack of social mobility within education, with the gap between rich and poor students being granted university places reaching record highs last year. With recent media attention given to the Conservative government’s new ‘grammar school’ structure, this is but another way that the gap will be widen.

New analysis of UCAS data by the Press

Association reveals that on average this year, 55 per cent of 18-year-olds living in the top 10 per cent of parliamentary constituencies in terms of university applications applied for a degree course by the main 15 January deadline.

By contrast, just 24 per cent of those living in the bottom 10 per cent of constituencies had applied by the same point.

The statistics according to the Independent’s article also show that ‘the highest application rate was in the Conservative-held seat of Wimbledon, south-west London, where 70.3 per cent of eligible students applied to go to university’, where ’At the other end of the scale, in Havant, Hampshire, also a Conservative seat, the application rate was 17.4 per cent’.

Laura Lewis current Vice President of Welfare and Diversity commented that “We should all be concerned by the reports that teenagers from the most disadvantaged areas of the UK

are four times less likely to apply for university. Higher education should be accessible to everyone, and not dependent on systematic class issues.

The government’s decision to increase university fees and remove grants from the most disadvantaged students has had a clear impact on the numbers of young people applying for university these people are already economically disadvantaged, and this gap will only continue to grow if the government does not support them.”

More 18-year-olds were offered university places in 2016 than ever before, with entry levels among all social groups increasing overall over the past 10 years. But while the number of students from more affluent backgrounds has climbed steadily, places offered to those from the poorest of society have stalled in the past year.

Latest UCAS figures show the vast majority of constituencies have seen a rise in applications since 2007, but 13 are experiencing a marked decrease on a decade ago.

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ROAD COLLISION IN EGHAM Anna Robinson reports on the incident from the beginning of March.

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n 1 March, a road collision on Stroude Road, Egham left a motorist with serious injuries.

The accident, which happened at around 1.30pm on the Wednesday, involved two vehicles – a Nissan pick-up truck and a Volkswagen caddy. Whilst the motorist in the Volkswagen was left with serious injuries, the other driver was believed to have fled the scene before emergency services arrived.

A spokesperson for the ambulance

service stated that although there were two patients “only one man was taken as priority St Peter’s Hospital, after suffering serious head injuries”.

Peter Amiss from Chertsey fire station, one of the stations called to attend the crash, said: “in conjunction with the ambulance service, we cut the driver out of the car and took him through the back of a car using a spine board”.

Enquiries continue for one of the drivers who was believed to have left the scene of the incident on foot. The police are still appealing for witnesses and anyone

ROAD COLLISION

A motorist was injured after an incident on Stroude Road.

in the area who has any details on the incident.

Stroude Road was closed for the entirety of the Wednesday afternoon.

Anyone with any information is asked to call Surrey Police’s Roads Policing Unit on 01483 639640, quoting reference ‘P17048874’.

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EXCLUSIVE: RHUL’S NEW LIBRARY Joanne Archer gives you the low down on the new Library and Student Services Centre. We promise you it’s cooler than it sounds.

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he latest addition to campus, the Emily Wilding Davison Building, has certainly caused quite the storm.

The chaos of an ever-expanding building site has made walking anywhere in a 2-minute radius feel like a pilgrimage.

It’s certainly not been a silent development.

The Orbital magazine was lucky enough to be given an exclusive tour of the site in its early stages.

At first I was reluctant, the building looked like a mismatch of cardboard and glass, not exactly the stuff that fuels Hogwarts-esque dreams. Stepping inside, however, I realised the full potential of the building. It towered in its skeletal form, lacking any protection from the weather, but the scale of it felt enormous and the potential of the space, as it develops, is virtually limitless.

The tour was led by Mike Berry, Director of Estates at Royal Holloway, and Mike Trigg, Senior Project Manager for Osborne. You could really see how much the project meant to them. The duo told the group all about what would be going into the building, including a bank, a shop, an exhibition space and group study pods that overhang outside of the building.

The idea here being that students will feel immersed in nature, even whilst inside the building. It wasn’t just a pride at their own work, but an excitement that future generations would get to enjoy the fruit of their labours and that we were able to see it in its early stages.

For me, this has made the library even more special.

It’s really hard to imagine how so much is going into one building. This isn’t just a library and that is why the project is so necessary. The library will have a relocated and improved Student Services Centre and a Careers and Employability hub. There will be a dedicated Postgraduate reading room, a new café and an Archives reading

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room. The shop is said to replace the current temporary SU shop, still run by the SU, but operating in double the space and seeking to make deals with local farmers to source fresh and local produce. Everything really will be in one place, all it needs now is a nightclub and maybe a place to take a much needed snooze!

During the tour, I was able to take over Royal Holloway’s Instagram, giving students a virtual guide to the building site. This was quite the challenge whilst juggling an SLR camera and trying to keep my protective gloves on as much as possible. The best part was being allowed up onto the roof just as the sun was beginning to set and being allowed to sneak away from the tour group to capture some incredible shots. I even got to sign a wall on behalf of Orbital!

Material world: the facts -One side of the building has recently been covered in 650m² of copper. This may sound bland but it is a 100 per cent recyclable material which is great news as we seek ways to protect our environment.

-Over 8km of terracotta baguettes installed next to the glazing. Attention to detail is key here with various shades of terracotta being used to connect the building aesthetically to Founder’s.

-Almost 500 sheets of glass installed, weighing the equivalent of 104.5 tonnes.

-1150 study seats and silent, social, creative and collaborative zones.

The library’s current opening date is set for Autumn term of 2017, two years on from its ground breaking that took place on 8 October 2015. The principal has promised those graduating this year that Founder’s Square will be ready in time for the ceremony. The open space has also been pedestrianised and will be a great area to hold events, run stalls and showcase student talent.

Joanne Archer

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GO FIGURE Louise Jones talks to professional figure skater, Amani Fancy, about what it means to be an athlete at RHUL.

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irstly, thank you so much for talking to us. I have watched some of your videos of you ice skating and some of the routines you perform look utterly terrifying but absolutely amazing! How do you have so much trust in your skating partner?

To be a pair skater, you have to be a little bit crazy to be quite honest! I personally love the adrenaline of being thrown in the air and lifted all the time, but as you pointed out, there has to be an extremely high level of trust between both partners. To achieve this, it is so vital to remember both partners equally share the same goal – to succeed to the best of their potential as a team, and to always remember that there is no winning without the other.

Royal Holloway Student Magazine | ORBITAL something I never thought I’d be doing.

The thought of having to share a failure with somebody else, let alone sharing a victory, was not something I was keen on, but as soon as I started, I truly fell in love with this new form of ice skating.

I went on become two-time British Champion in pair skating, ranked 12th in Europe and 16th in the World, won an international medal in Tallinn, Estonia, and came 8th place in a Grand Prix in Nagano, Japan.

What does a typical daily routine look like for you?

As a fulltime athlete, you are looking at around five hours of training a day, six days a week. This includes warm up and cool down time, three hours of intense training on the ice, and an hour a day of off-ice work, which can comprise of cardio, core work, circuit training, stretching, Pilates, or interval

It is so wonderful knowing that Hamish and I have the capability of getting to the top in Great Britain, but I know that I need to be taking this time out for me, to find my own identity outside of skating.”

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What are some of your past achievements as a professional athlete?

I started skating at the age of 8 in my hometown, a country in the Middle East called Oman. With our summers reaching 50 degrees Celsius, it’s quite ironic that I chose to start a winter sport, but what can I say, I fell in love with it and starting competing straight away. I started off as a solo skater and competed around the Middle East, winning several national competitions.

Although I lived away from the UK, I have always represented Great Britain in competitions, which has been a great honour. The Youth Olympics was probably the most special event of my whole career - really feeling the team spirit whilst supporting the other British athletes that were competing in other disciplines, as well as living in the Olympic village and holding the Olympic torch was a little dream come true. Around three and a half years ago, I began with pair skating –

training, depending on what you and your coach feel you need at the time.

Mental training is also a very important aspect of off- ice training and can include meditation, visualization, or even just talking to a sports psychologist about the ice-related challenges you are facing, how to overcome certain obstacles in training, mental techniques for competition or element execution, or even personal issues that may be implicating your sport. I can’t stress enough how important this side of the training was for me; the times I would visualize were the times I saw most success in competition.

Education has always been as much of a priority as sport is to me; even before moving to Germany at the age of 11, my dad and I made an unofficial contract with one another. He promised to give me the freedom to succeed in sport as long as I kept up my grades, and we worked together to achieve both goals.

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How has your time here at Royal Holloway positively impacted you and your sport?

I had never had the chance to see who I was without the label of being a figure skater and would not get the opportunity to find myself and really take advantage of what the university had to offer if I was training high-level.

Hamish Gaman (2015 British Pairs Champion) and I spoke and decided to spend some time working on personal endeavours. For me that was to settle into university life and really enjoy being a normal student; focusing on academia, making friends, joining various societies such as dance and debating (and Harry Potter of course), diving into other playing fields and excelling in other areas. This is where I am today. It is so wonderful knowing that Hamish and I, together as a team, have the capability of getting to the top in Great Britain, but today, I know that I need to be taking this time out for me, to find my own identity and make a difference to the world outside of skating.

How does this answer the question: how has your time here at Royal Holloway positively impacted you and your sport?

Even before arriving at Royal Holloway, the university showed great interest in the fact that I was an athlete, and you don’t see this in many universities in the UK. Being a sports scholar here, and being part of the Bears is honestly the best thing ever – it is a true community, and no matter what sport you are from, other athletes and department members are always cheering you on.

From the first day, Erin WalterWilliams, the Sports Scholarship Scheme Manager, has been my rock with anything, be it finding the right accommodation, settling in, or just someone to talk to about how things are going with the skating and the academic course. I could not have wished for a better place than Royal Holloway to start this chapter of my life – it may be a university, but the people have made it feel like a home.

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HOLY WEEK IN SPAIN Stephanie Bagnall talks about Holy Week in Seville, Spain, and why it’s a great event to visit.

oly week. or ‘Semana Santa’, is a religious celebration that is practiced across Spain as a time that remembers the last days of Jesus, penitence, death and resurrection.

At this time, the city turns into a crown of colorful processions and music.

Stories from the bible are recreated with heavily decorated and realistic mannequins which are carried on large plinths around the city by the people of Seville.

This year, it will begin on Sunday 9 April and will end on Saturday 15 April. The main city in which this is celebrated is Seville as it is the most religious city in Spain. Situated in the south, the city of Seville is famous for the particular way it celebrates Holy week.

These plinths are called ‘Costaleros’ and have to be carried upon the shoulders of people. They are usually highly decorated, covered in gold and silver and have an image of an event from the story, carrying Jesus or the virgin Mary or both, doing something

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related with the story such as carrying the cross to the place Jesus is getting killed. The retelling of the stories in such a visual way is to help to reflect the pain and suffering once lived by Jesus.

Once the Costaleros have been showcased around the streets of Seville, they are stored in their respective church and shown by their community. These communities are called ‘Cofradías’ and they are usually a group of people that belong to a parish and contribute to it. The

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costaleros is by carrying them through the streets surrounded by ’Nazarenos’ which are men wearing capes and cones on top of their head which covers their face. This is done to be The people in the community show closer to God. This particular style of the decorations around the city and they go past all the different churches clothing is called ‘capirotes’. As well to finally arrive to the Cathedral which as the Nazarenos, bands consisting mostly of brass instruments and is the main meeting point. They then return to their community church. They drums play music through the streets during the procession of the plinths. have specific times to do this during Holy Week which conforms to the time People carrying candles and crosses order corresponding to the Bible. (‘penitentes’) also help the procession of the decorations. Everything is The way the community show their people of this community are called ‘hermanos’ which is translated as ‘brothers’.

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covered in incense and candles that can be carried by nazarenos or be on the symbol.

The cofradías usually have two plinths that they show around the city. In total there are 52 cofradías in Seville and 100 ‘pasos’ (steps) which is also a name used for the idea of a parade. Holy Week is also celebrated throughout the rest of Spain, but Seville has the most elaborate and exciting celebrations.

Stephanie Bagnall

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THE HINDU SOCIETY Deputy Editor, Louise Jones, talks to Nishall Garala, Religious Affairs Officer for Hindu Society.

ishall, first and foremost, well done to you and Hindu society for delivering such successful Holi festival celebrations for another year. Are you surprised how many students on campus enjoy and take part in what has become a campus favourite, regardless of their own different faiths?

a ‘paint fight’ with friends. Recently Holi has become a trend in modern day society and people find any excuse to get involved, so we always expect big numbers and with a lot of diversity, and yes, it is fantastic to see people of different faiths come together and enjoy such a big event!

Thank you, Holi is one of Hindu Society’s biggest events on campus, and it gets bigger and better every year. Hindu Society is such an inclusive society, it doesn’t matter what faith you believe in; we accept everyone for who they are.

Holi is a fun event, so bringing people together is such a big achievement, to be honest, the amount of people that turn up for Holi doesn’t really surprise me because who doesn’t want to have

Holi is a Hindu festival that marks the arrival of spring. Known widely as the Festival of Colour, and it is actually split into two very different events. Holi is a celebration of fertility, colour, and love, as well as the triumph of good versus evil.

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For those who may not know what is Holi festival?

People take part in Holi all around the world, but it is celebrated the most in parts of India and Nepal. It is often

HINDU SOCIETY

Photography Credit: Cameron James Seymour

associated with the coloured powders that end up coating its participants after they’ve thrown them at each other.

But this is just one part of Holi, which is split into two events: Holika Dahan and Rangwali Holi.

Holika Dahan takes place the night before Rangwali Holi. Wood and dungcakes are burned in a symbolic pyre to signify good defeating evil (in Hindu Vedi scriptures, the God Vishnu helps burn the devil Holika to death).

The next morning, people gather in public spaces and take part in Rangwali Holi. This is a raucous affair where

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CELEBRATION

Holi is an opportunity to celebrate with friends and family and have some fun.

INTERFAITH Photography Credit: Fab Piolini-Castle

THROWING PAINT

Coloured powder is thrown on each other in order to celebrate this beautiful festival.

FESTIVAL OF COLOUR

Photography Credit: Cameron James Seymour

people chase each other around, throwing handfuls of coloured powders (known as gulal) at one another, while getting drenched in water.

So why do you think Holi festival attracts so many people to take part regardless of their own religious practices?

I personally believe it’s a way for friends and family to get together and enjoy an event. Whether people know the story of Holi or not, it’s a great way to build upon friendships and family relations, in a happy and playful way, where the inner child of everyone can be released and happy memories can be made to cherish for life.

What do you enjoy the most about Holi festival?

Recently Holi has become a trend in modern day society and people find any excuse to get involved, so we always expect big numbers and with a lot of diversity, and yes, it is fantastic to see people of different faiths come together and enjoy such a big event!”

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The colours: the paint powder that is used is so vibrant they look great on clothes and in the air, also covering friends and family in paint too is really enjoyable!

acceptance and willing to learn about other cultures. We are one of the top universities for international outlook and understanding each other faiths, beliefs and cultures can help any relationship.

How do you think interfaith societies on campus can improve relationships with each other?

For example, during Holi we have some many different faiths attend and they understand what Holi is about and we see this as another way that other faiths learn about Hinduism, and this is the case when you attend events from other interfaith societies.

Many interfaith societies have various events going throughout the year; I believe just attending each other’s events is the best way to improve relationships. This is because it shows

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THE

HOLI

FESTIVAL Recently mainstream media has reported on targeted attacks on specific religious groups, why do you think it is important for the interfaith societies here at Royal Holloway to collaborate together?

This will help more people understand the meaning of interfaith societies, building more tolerance.”

I believe that the interfaith societies here at Royal Holloway should always be collaborating more together because it builds awareness of faiths, beliefs and cultures, which helps to create tolerance and understanding. The UK is such a multicultural country, and we need to teach others about this. This will help more people understand the

meaning of interfaith societies, building more tolerance and support towards multiculturalism.

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Lastly, have Hindu Society got any other event planned for students to take part in this year?

All I’m going say here is, go and like our

Facebook page and watch that space!

However, we do have regular Hanuman Chalisa and Aartis every Monday in the Chapel at 6:15pm and various spiritual talks delivered by guest speakers. All our events are inclusive to all, whether you’re a Hindu or not, we would love to see you there.

Photography Credit: Emma Halahan, Fab Piolini-Castle, Cameron James Seymour and Martha Lochhead

THE HOLI FESTIVAL Photography Credit: Fab Piolini-Castle

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SCIENCE VS RELIGION Could there ever been a common ground between religion and science.

he words ‘religion’ and ‘science’ are not often seen together, and if they are, it can sometimes be in a negative context. Here it Royal Holloway we are lucky enough to be a part of a diverse student population, which inevitably contains religious students studying scientific degrees.

We spoke to Nishall Garala to find out more about the implications of the ‘religion versus science’ debate for students.

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Hi Nishall, thanks for coming to discuss this with us today!

So, to begin: what do you think about the issue of science vs. religion, and the effect this has on religious students studying a scientific degree course?

I don’t think there is a particularly

negative perception about science students being religious. Most people understand that religion is more to do with lifestyle, not students’ degree. I think the biggest aspect of student life affected by religion is more to do with activities than their course of studies - for example, Hindu and Muslim students cannot drink alcohol. This affect things like SU nights, but these are just done in a different way for these students. The university is really good at helping religious students become involved in student life in other ways, no matter what they study.

might be difficult to understand. We also have various talks on throughout the year - for example, we have a doctor who is also a monk who comes in to discuss aspects of his life with students. He is a prime example to students how you can be religious and still work in the scientific field. We also discuss the fact that there are aspects of science which are not yet proven, and require faith, and how this can parallel with religion. We really emphasise the way in which science and religion can compliment each other, not work against each other.

How do you address the topic of science with students within Hindu society?

We actually value being able to discuss science within the society - it can often help explain complex aspects of religion to students that

How do you make the society welcoming to students who are studying science, who might feel uncomfortable due to the ‘science vs. religion’ debate?

We try to make sure that the society is inclusive of everyone, no matter what

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RELIGION AND SCIENCE Alis Reid talks about the relationship between science and religion, and whether they could find common ground.

you’re studying or what you believe in.

We don’t talk about religion or science in a negative way, and try to answer everyone’s questions in a positive way.

We work towards finding a common ground, and welcoming everyone.

How do you think religion and science can compliment each other for students in a practical way?

Oh, that’s a hard one. I think it’s mostly about students finding out how science and religion can work together for them. While science can prove certain facts, it can’t explain everything in life - this is where religion can come in. It can also help to explain things in a different way - for example through myths and stories, rather than scientific fact. Both can act as different forms of guidance for various aspects of student life.

What would you say to someone who thinks that religious students can’t or shouldn’t study science, or vice-versa?

I would say, religion is made for man, man is not made for religion. Religion is not there to disagree with science, it is there to help people stay on the right path. When science can’t explain something, a story based on myths and legends can sometimes help.

It can often provide more comfort to people than evidential facts and numbers can, which is important for many students. I think it is sometimes easier to take a story and apply it to life, than it is to apply a scientific principle.

Is there anything else you would like to say about this topic?

I think the most important thing to remember is that science and religion

should complement each other, not work against each other. There is no one side to take in a discussion of this nature - both science and religion can be appreciated in their own right, while working together to help people.

Thanks Nishall!

It was certainly insightful to discuss this issue with a representative of a religious student body. What was clear was that the ‘science versus religion’ debate is not supported with the student community - instead, there is a real emphasis on how the two topics can work together, and even aid each other. It is certainly the most positive way forward, and reveals what an inclusive and open community we are a part of here at Royal Holloway.

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CELEBRATING MEDICAL MARVELS Grace Yeadon talks about how medical documentaries portray the people in them, and why this one is doing it right.

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edical documentaries are fascinating, informative and widereaching, but often toe a fine line between removing taboos around common conditions and reinforcing them.

Programmes like ‘Embarrassing Bodies’ tread this line very carefully, encouraging public discussion around a wide variety of conditions and the removal of any associated embarrassment. There is no denying that increased awareness is a great thing and can only improve public health in general, but there is a danger of insensitively exhibiting patients to capitalise on natural viewer curiosity and provoke repulsion to keep viewing figures high.

Being unwell is a stressful time for anybody and handling medical cases with care and delicacy should always take priority over providing entertainment, even if they waive their right to anonymity by agreeing to take part in such documentaries. Talking about medical conditions, from those that are extremely common to even those that are incredibly rare, is a vital tool in removing any existing social stigmas. But explaining the science behind why people are the way they are goes that one step further in helping us to all understand these conditions and is something that the recent BBC documentary series ‘Incredible Medicine: Dr Weston’s Casebook’ does very well.

The premise of the programme is not just to tell the story of some of the most extraordinary people in the world and the medical conditions they have to live with or have overcome against incredible odds, but also how their courage has led to amazing and pioneering medical research. One such case was that of American college student, Ian, who suffered a broken neck in a freak accident on holiday, rendering him a quadriplegic: with very limited movement of his limbs, and requiring 24/7 care just to go about his daily routine.

Royal Holloway Student Magazine | ORBITAL But in 2014, he took the brave decision to take part in a completely novel procedure, involving both medics and electronic engineers, to bypass the injury to his spinal cord and reconnect his brain to the neural system controlling limb movement. Extraordinarily, there are signs that the treatment is working and he is slowly retraining his brain to move his hands and fingers again, something that a few years ago would never have been thought possible. In the second episode, we meet Jill who officially holds the record for the loudest scream. Going far beyond the pages of Guinness World Record books that she graces, the programme tried to explain how she screams so loudly compared to the average human being.

Jill visited Royal Holloway and met our very own Professor David Howard, who is the head of the new Electronic Engineering department and an expert in the human voice. His research indicated that Jill is able to produce a scream 29dba louder than the average human being because of the high efficiency of her lungs and larger vocal folds than somebody else of her sex.

The forcing of air out of the lungs and crashing together of our vocal folds in the throat is what creates the volume of the noise we make, and Jill happens to be adapted to scream louder than most.

Having the loudest scream may not be something as serious or visible as other conditions discussed in the series but is nevertheless another example of how the programme goes beyond just talking about extraordinary people but the

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science explaining their conditions or capabilities. Not one person is depicted without care or consideration of the difficulties they have faced not only due to the nature of their conditions but the ignorance of people around them, and the greatest emphasis of all is placed on the benefits of understanding why people are who they are.

From a medical perspective, understanding abnormal human functions can shed light on new treatments and surgeries for people with many other illnesses. The amazing Veljano, a free diver in Croatia, can hold his breath for 9 minutes, and understanding how he can do this is offering scientists new hope for preventing brain damage in heart attack patients.

But perhaps most importantly of all is that understanding what makes these people tick often shows how very little separates them from people without the conditions, sometimes just one altered gene in their genome. Celebrating these extraordinary people and what makes them just that not only removes the taboos around their conditions but highlights how they are helping scientists to further understand the human body, something that can only ever benefit us all.

‘Incredible Medicine: Dr Weston’s Casebook’ continues Wednesdays at 9pm on BBC Two or catch up on BBC iPlayer

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ACCEPTING YOUR PRIVILEGE Holly Pyne talks about why it is important to accept your privileged position

WOMEN’S PROTESTS This year has seen many protests and marches in support of women’s rights

ife is tough – as students, we know this as well as most. With tuition fees at £9000 and rising, and let’s not even talking about living costs, life isn’t always as easy as it would first seem.

However, we also have to accept that as students at university in the United Kingdom, we come from a certain status of privilege. This is not the same level for all of us, but we have to accept we all have something to be grateful for.

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You’re never going to be perfect, let us all agree on that now. I screw up; so does everyone else, but there is more we could be doing to acknowledge our privilege and help others.

The Oxford Dictionary describes privilege as: “A special right, advantage, or immunity granted or available only to a particular person or group.” This privilege could be being able-bodied, white, heterosexual, or wealth, just to name a few. It is essentially something that enables you to live your life without dealing with the issues of others.”

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The Oxford Dictionary describes privilege as: ‘A special right, advantage, or immunity granted or available only to a particular person or group.’ This privilege could be being able-bodied, white, heterosexual, or wealth, just to name a few. It is essentially something that enables you to live your life without dealing with the issues of others.

Accepting your privilege can be a difficult process, but it is necessary. We need to start helping each other in any way we can.

I shall use myself as an example. Like most people, there are elements within my person that elevate me and others that hold me back. For example, I am a university student, and whilst I’m struggling with my finances, I have to accept that I have been provided with

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so many more opportunities because of it. However, being a woman can be incredibly disheartening. I’ve been groped in clubs, catcalled on a nearly daily basis, and even been told I am not capable of fulfilling my role as Editor because I’m a woman.

I have decided to not concentrate on what holds me back but rather what propels me forward. You have to accept that you’re fortunate in some ways and recognise that others struggle. You’re not a bad person for being privileged but at one point or another you need to accept it and do your bit to help.

Accept that you benefit from a system that disadvantages others and try to change it. Be observant and call

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out injustice when you see it. Join campaigns, be involved.

One way to begin to accept your privilege is to stop and listen. Broaden your circles and listen to those who are struggling, campaigning and have a cause. We need to support each other to move forward, and that starts with learning about others’ lives and the help they need (not the help you think they need).

It isn’t as simple as people who are privileged, and those that aren’t.

Instead, it is usually that people are privileged in some senses, and not in other respects. It is about accepting that certain aspects of your being have allowed you to benefit from the system,

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whether you’re aware of it or not.

Even if you’ve earnt your money ‘the hard way’ you still have to accept that you are privileged to be financially secure.

So therefore, I’ll stop on this note.

No one knows everything, so spend more time listening. Re-evaluate your position, and engage with the great causes and campaigns around us. More importantly, engage with campaigns you do not personally identify with; you might learn something.

We’re going to mess up, but it is your responsibility to try. Let’s be more empathetic, people.

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VOGUE AND THE HIJAB Sahar Mahmood discusses the controversy surrounding Gigi Hadid’s Vogue covershoot.

here has been much controversy surrounding Gigi Hadid’s cover for Vogue Arabia in which she adorns a veil and poses for the camera. But why has this caused such a stir? And what is the real debate here?

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As a young female Muslim living in Britain the hijab is of much importance and of great value to people like me. For me, the hijab is an absolute assertion of my faith and my gender. I believe it helps empower me by giving me the confidence to be who I am – a female Muslim. I can show others that I am not afraid, despite the negativity I may receive for my religion and despite the limitations I may face as a female. The real debate here seems to touch upon the deep divisions within our society.

In a time where the likes of Donald Trump and Brexit generate a vastly negative rhetoric around the Islamic faith, the hijab is often a visible target.

Dialogue in these times is essential and the controversy surrounding Gigi Hadid’s Vogue cover highlights this issue fittingly.

However, a majority (including me) see this as an excellent opportunity to have an important conversation. Many argue that such a presentation seeks to normalise the hijab which is often pointed out as being foreign and alien and attempts to place it in a positive light.

On the one hand, people argue that the cover is hypocritical. The surrounding Western society at its worst often tells female Muslims that the hijab is not acceptable. It is painted as a symbol of oppression and religious extremism.

Thus, to have a widely known female celebrity adorn a veil for fashion purposes and have it received as being a positive thing is extremely duplicitous.

It angers many Muslims to see their own religion being glamorised for profit in a society that consistently tells them the opposite.

Many welcome the chance to talk to others and help to generate an understanding of what the hijab is, what it stands for and why Muslim women choose to wear it. Thus, many welcome the cover and the conversation that comes with it with the hope that we can build bridges not walls.

Photography Credit: Taufiq Aizuddin

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HIDDEN FIGURES OF AUTISM Cemre Camuz discusses the lack of representation of women on the autistic spectrum.

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hile autism didn’t exist as a diagnosed developmental disability until about 70 years ago, people now ascribe its attributes to classic figures of human history such as Kant, Einstein, Mozart, and even Steve Jobs.

It is unknown whether they were ever on the spectrum, but their speculation brings awareness to the negative labelling that comes with being on the spectrum. Today we’re shown the discrimination those on the spectrum face when trying to apply for work, and our government plans to cut disability benefits to support ‘the really disabled people who need it.’

So, in a month that celebrates Women’s History and a week of Autism Awareness coming up, I wanted to bring to light the women of our past who were on the spectrum. But this is difficult, as much of women in history are left in the shadows of their achievements, much like Katherine G. Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, the African-American mathematicians who worked at NASA, who are only now being celebrated.

Hannah Rogers, an English and Creative Writing student at RHUL, whose final project is on presenting women who are on the autistic spectrum, illuminates how women on the autism spectrum could have been obscured.

She explains that there is a gender disparity in diagnoses, that ‘women are less likely to be diagnosed.’ Describing her own experience with being on the spectrum, having ‘obsessive behaviour, reliance on routine, social issues’ were written off as being a teenage girl going through puberty. Waiting time for autism diagnosis for children are long and Hannah had to wait until she was legally an adult to finally be diagnosed, “it was a relief to finally have a name for it all and therefore options to help me.”

Talking about historical figures being diagnosed posthumously, Hannah thinks it’s important for them to be known, especially women, for women, “Women’s History is so often overlooked yet there is a lot of strength women could draw from those kinds of figures but we don’t know enough about them to make those assumptions now. We have no record of female historical figures as is, less who we could say may have been

on the spectrum, even though they definitely existed.”

When you search for famous autistic women, Temple Grandin is the first name that comes up, and she speaks openly about her experience from being on the spectrum, stating that “Autism’s a very important part of who I am. I like the way I think, and I wouldn’t want to change that.” But this may not be the case for everyone on the spectrum, especially for individuals who have never been diagnosed, for women and especially for women of colour.

There is a rising focus on the prejudice autistic individuals face, but we are moving dangerously away as a society from representing the spectrum correctly in our media, let alone the individuals for future generations to look to. Our governments are failing to aid them and their families. This month, stay aware, be vocal and be supporting so we can end the Age of the Hidden Figures.

Cemre Camuz

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LONDON FASHION WEEK FESTIVAL Chloe Hill summarises Fashion Week festival, located at The Store Studios, 180 The Strand, London.

his year’s location is a different, more rustic setting compared to its previous home The Saatchi Gallery in Chelsea.

The new simple architecture transforms the atmosphere into a relaxed one, making it the perfect cultural hub to stage hundreds of designers, talks and shopping experiences.

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In the world of fashion, these weeks are the most exciting and anticipated of the year. People from all over the world

congregate to watch the innovative designs unravel before their eyes. For years, I was under the impression that the event was kept firmly behind locked doors. For LFW itself, this is true. However, for the weekend festival, tickets are available both on the door and online.

The show I went to see was Huishan Zhang, a Central Saint Martins graduate who has previously worked for the prestigious fashion house, Dior.

He makes the central theme of his

collections sophistication and femininity.

After an exciting day, my first experience came to an end and I thought I would share what I learned from it: whether this is upcoming trends in terms of fashion, beauty or accessories.

Lace made itself known in Huishan Zhang’s collection. It was often layered over neutral colours and was recurrent especially in his dresses. Often ruffles were incorporated profusely on sleeves, peplum style dresses and over the bodice for off-the-shoulder effects.

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LONDON FASHION WEEK A must-see event for any fashion enthusiast

Embroidery was featured in many of the designs, most prevalently the placement of three-dimensional flowers. My personal favourite from the collection consisted of a white collared overcoat, covered in white embroidered daisies with matching white, lace-up, frilly mules. However, the close second was a pale pink mesh bodysuit tucked into a white skirt, both of which featured silver embroidery.

Natural appearances were revived.

Undone, straight, yet naturally styled

hair was all the range. It was refreshing to see most of the girls’ hair split into a middle parting and left to its own devices. Makeup was also minimal, acting only as a tool to highlight the natural glow and blush of the skin. Pastel shades were everywhere, especially pink and blue.

designs with a further emphasis on delicate florals.

Overall, this was such an enjoyable weekend and I can’t recommend the experience enough, especially if you’re a novice in the fashion world and are aiming for a career in this field. I’m excited to see how Huishan Zhang and his designs progress - keep your eyes peeled!

This was one of my favourite aspects and was also something I noticed in other shows. For example, the whimsical Zimmermann show at NYFW featured Chloe Hill an array of baby pink, ruffled, lacy

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BEAUTY COMES IN ALL SHADES Beth Gooding discusses the fact that make up shades still struggle to match all skin tones.

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Royal Holloway Student Magazine | ORBITAL or decades the beauty industry has received criticism for being overwhelmingly white, neglecting to provide for a diverse range of skin colours. In the 1940s there were makeup lines for black women but they focused on using products to lighten skin which were cunningly presented as being blemish creams. Moving to 1975, an article was published in Black Enterprise reporting on Revlon’s line of foundation, lipstick and blush for black women and Clairol’s introduction of the grand total of two makeup shades for darker skin.

In 1990 Maybelline began ‘Shape of You’, makeup for black women, but this didn’t even last a decade. It appeared Maybelline only introduced this range as they saw an opportunity for profit rather than to cater for all women.

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issue of makeup lines providing just a few shades for dark skin tones is not one confined to BareMinerals. Makeup companies often have few options for dark skin tones, causing women of colour to argue that dark skin still comes in multiple shades.

Although some makeup companies cater for dark skin, it is largely the higher priced makeup lines and women of colour argue they cannot find the right makeup for their skin tone in high-street shops, meaning they often have to pay double the price for foundation.

Just last month it was noticed that Maybelline were selling six shades of their foundation in the UK, compared to twelve in America. Maybelline were using British model Jourdan Dunn to advertise a foundation of which she could not buy for herself in a high-street store because it would not come in a

Although some makeup companies cater for dark skin, it is largely the higher priced makeup lines and women of colour argue they cannot find the right makeup for their skin tone in high-street shops, meaning they often have to pay double the price for foundation. Maybelline were selling six shades of their foundation in the UK, compared to twelve in America.”

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Now, we may have seen progress in the makeup industry but it is still not enough. Social media has provided a platform for women to speak out against the beauty industry. Beauty bloggers, Youtubers and people on Twitter have been able to post about the inherent racism within the makeup business.

Last year, BareMinerals revealed a line of concealers named Complexions Rescue, featuring 16 shades but just two shades for darker skin. Social media users noticed this and criticism filled Twitter and Facebook, with tweets stating that BareMinerals clearly viewed dark skin as an ‘afterthought’. This

FOUNDATION COLOURS

Make up very rarely suits all skin tones and shades.

shade to match her skin tone. Blogger Nadia Gray wrote ‘Even though I am annoyed by this I am not surprised, this is an issue that plagues any woman who is not white. Getting anything to suit your skin tone from global beauty brands is almost impossible.

I, like so many other black women, have to buy high-end foundations and concealer because billion-dollar beauty corporations simply don’t cater for us.’

Despite the appearance of progress in the beauty industry there is still a long way to go until black women are catered for on the same level as white women. Hopefully there will come a time when shades for women of colour are just as common as shades for white people meaning that they do not have to spend excessive amounts of money for the same product.

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ROHOROSCOPES

What have the stars got in store for you this month? Our resident mystic Annie Pantry predicts your life at Holloway for the next four weeks.

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Scorpio

A

Aquarius

T

Taurus

L

Leo

23rd October

– 21st November

Love: Relationships aren’t really your thing.

Travel: Get planning summer, it is just around the corner.

Study: You are really willing to work hard this term, it will all pay off.

20th January

– 18th February

Love: The Honeymoon stage has to end at some point.

Travel: Bored of the SU? Try Atik in Windsor.

Study: Time to write those revision notes.

20th April – 20th May

Love: Let’s be honest, you won’t meet your soulmate at the SU! Travel: Head to Virginia Water before it rains again!

Study: Time to choose which silent section you prefer, Founders or Bedford?

23rd July – 22nd August

Love: Keep your friends close but your enemies closer!

Travel: There a many shops in Slough, take a look.

Study: This term you need to be in the library 24/7.

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Capricorn

Love: There are plenty of fish in the sea.

Travel: You really want to get away.

Maybe look for cheap weekend city breaks online.

Study: If you can’t focus in your room then head to Bedford.

Love: You are too young to be in love!

Travel: Groupon has some great city breaks on offer!

Study: Take a break from the books, you deserve it.

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Pisces

A

Aries

G

Gemini

C

Cancer

V

Virgo

L

Libra

S

Sagittarius 22nd November

– 21st December

19th February – 20th March

Love: Don’t forget to put your friends first; bros before hoes!

Travel: The further you travel the more you will catch the travel bug.

Study: Better get revising if you want that 2:1.

21st May – 20th June

Love: The best advice I can give you is: if you love them let them go.

Travel: There are plenty of cheap city breaks for Easter break, take a look.

Study: Keep your head in the books and it will pay off in the end.

23rd August

- 22nd September

Love: If the fire is out then don’t try to relight the ashes.

Travel: London has so much to offer, hop on a train.

Study: Concentrate on essays, you can party all summer!

22nd December – 19th January

21st March – 19th April

Love: If they haven’t text you back then they just aren’t that into you!

Travel: Have you visited the Boiler House lately?

Study: Better crack open the new highlighters and get revising

21st June – 22nd July

Love: I think you were supposed to be single this year.

Travel: Head to Staines for a cheeky trip, there’s a market on a Wednesday.

Study: It isn’t an easy time of year so don’t give up. Try new revision techniques.

23rd September – 22nd October

Love: Maybe your soulmate goes to a different uni, time for Tinder?

Travel: Save your pennies to go somewhere new and exotic.

Study: Crack open the books and get reading, revision fast approaches.

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DREAMGIRLS: A DREAM COME TRUE

Michele Theil talks about why you must see this musical.

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reamgirls, a brilliant musical that opened in October 2016 at The Savoy Theatre on the West End stars Glee’s Amber Riley and tells the story of a group of African American singers in the 1960s trying to make a name for themselves.

I had the opportunity to see Dreamgirls last month at the Savoy Theatre and, not having seen the original movie that the show is based on, I wasn’t sure what to expect. What I found was an amazing spectacle of bright lights, beautiful costumes and spectacular music, used to tell the story of these young women who struggled to make a name for themselves while having to deal with the societal pressures of beauty and race in the male-dominated world of music.

Amber Riley, with her powerful voice, played the role of Effie White, the lead

singer of ‘The Dreamettes’. For those who’ve seen the movie, you’ll recognise that Amber Riley plays the role that Jennifer Hudson occupied while Liisi LaFontaine plays Deena Jones, the same character that Beyonce Knowles plays. The show and movie were adapted from the 1981 Broadway musical of the same name, inspired by the real-life history of an R&B singing group, The Supremes.

The show follows Effie and ‘The Dreamettes’ as they are picked out by the manipulative Curtis Taylor Jr (Joe Aaron Reid). He gets them a gig as the backup singers for Jimmy Early (Adam J Bernard), a solo soul singer but wants to skyrocket them to success as ‘The Dreams’, with a new look and a new sound. Curtis gets Deena Jones (LaFontaine) to sing lead as she is fairer-skinned, skinnier and has a lighter pop-focused voice that Effie doesn’t.

THE MUSICAL

Dreamgirls opened in October 2016 and will be in London until October 2017.

While weekend performances in premium seats go for over £100, daytime matinees and mid-week evening shows can go for as little as £20, making it an affordable treat for RHUL students who wish to make the trip into London to see this dazzling show.

Another option is the Today Tix Theatre Lottery that has front-row tickets going for £15, a slim but viable chance to see amazing West End Theatre shows.

If you have the chance to see this breath-taking musical before it finishes its extended season in October 2017, I urge you to take it; nothing beats live performance.

Michele Theil

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BOLLYWOOD

India’s biggest film industry has garnered criticism for its male dominated narrative.

pon first inspection, the Indian Hindi film ‘Lipstick Under My Burkha’ would seem to be a relatively harmless, small, independent yet uplifting film. And what was intended to be an empowering portrayal of ordinary Indian women has sparked a wave of controversy after the Indian Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) refused to certify it; thereby preventing it from being released in India.

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There is little basis for their argument, which has opposed the film on the grounds that it is ‘lady orientated’ and contains ‘sexual scenes, abusive words and audio pornography’.

It is the first criticism of the film that has garnered the most attention, with accusations that this is an attempt to silence women in Indian popular culture.

‘Lipstick Under My Burkha’ follows the story of four women in a small town in India who attempt to gain some

freedom in their lives and chase their dreams through small acts of rebellion.

Its dealings with themes of women’s agency and sexuality might make it thought provoking but few would argue that this warrants blocking its release.

From the statement issued by the CBFC, it’s clear that this progressive portrayal of women is a step too far for them. So it’s easy to see why director Alankrita Shrivastava has likened the refusal to certify the film to

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FILM CONTROVERSY Georgia Beith criticises the ban of ‘Lipstick Under My Burkha’.

the CBFC effectively “telling women to shut up”.

The Indian film industry has long been dominated by male narratives and male perspectives, and, as Shrivastava pointed out, there is “little space for realistic portrayals of ordinary women”.

Women are generally objectified and restricted to archetypal roles only.

Shrivastava’s film attempts to change that pattern, and make women the heart of the story, to give them a

voice. The CBFC’s actions represent a stubborn battle to maintain the status quo.

But it’s all part of a wider problem in India, a country whose track record for gender equality is less than commendable.

For example, one of the issues dealt with in ‘Lipstick Under My Burkha’, marital rape, which is not considered a criminal offence by law, and is culturally thought of as a reality of married life.

India is a country with a deeply entrenched patriarchal system and one which is plagued by casual sexism that is only reinforced through its popular culture.

And more than that, the ‘Lipstick Under My Burkha’ debate shows that change is being resisted rather than embraced.

Georgia Beith

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DISNEY AND DIVERSITY Joanne Archer discusses the developments and diversification in Disney’s films.

NEW DISNEY FILM

The new ‘Beauty and the Beast’ has received backlash.

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Royal Holloway Student Magazine | ORBITAL f you know me well, it is no secret that I am a huge fan of Disney, probably the most obsessed person you will meet. That said, I am able to see the faults in the company, and diversification is a matter that Disney has often fallen short with.

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Although Disney have been including diverse characters in their films and TV programmes for a while, Princess Tiana was Disney’s first black princess, joining Jasmine and Mulan in the line-up of diverse females. Released in 2009, I can’t help but agree that this revelation came far later than it should have. The Princess and the Frog is one of my favourite Disney films, but it was considered a Box office failure when it made ‘only’ 267 million USD. That may still seem like a lot, but compare that to Frozen’s cool 1.276 billion- yes, billion.

Mulan also fell relatively short at 304.3 million. There is something about the past of Disney’s diversity that has not been successful, but it’s not clear why.

Is it that Disney did not pitch these films correctly? Is it that the markets were completely wrong? We can’t know for sure.

The most interesting thing is that, despite these past ‘failures’, Disney’s latest film Moana has been a huge success, raking in 580.4 million. Moana tells the story of a young girl destined to be the chief of her island, but a girl who wants to explore beyond the reef. The film is centred in Polynesian cultures, a return to the same world of Lilo & Stitch. Lilo & Stitch was only slightly more successful than The Princess and the Frog, bringing in 273.1 million, so what makes Moana better? Is it a change in the world today that demands and welcomes diversity? In times of social divide, a world of Trumps and Referendums, I can only hope it is this, and not simply the catchiness of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s music.

The latest development on everyone’s lips is the news that the live action Beauty and the Beast will feature

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Disney’s first openly gay character.

Whilst we can celebrate this small victory, it certainly comes with its problems. Firstly, it’s 2017! It’s a real shame that it has taken this long, over 80 years, for Disney to include a character that represents such a huge amount of the population.

Nonetheless, it is a step forward and hopefully the beginning of the confident, purposeful inclusion of more LGBTQ+ characters, not just a shy representation.

Anticipating fans have been disappointed with this development, arguing that Disney could have chosen any one of the other characters to be a representative for the community. One disappointed fan tweeted “This is VERY SIMPLE, Lumiere is bi, Cogsworth is gay, and Mrs Potts and the talking armoire are lesbians. SIMPLE”, citing all the characters that would have made better and more obvious LGBTQ+ characters.

There is also the fact that LeFou is one of “the most evil people in the play”, “a grasping, foolish, aggrandizing, simpering minion to a bigger villain”.

Put perfectly, “if he’s gay and in love with Gaston […], he’s ‘tragic’”. The fans feel that, when representation of the LGBTQ+ is already very poor, this choice was far from ideal. Howard Ashman was the brains behind the lyrics for many of the Beauty and the Beast tracks, and it is an understatement to say that this does not feel like the most fitting tribute to his struggle and eventual death from AIDS. It’s hard to say whether we should be thankful that these developments are finally happening, or whether we should be disappointed that they have taken this long to happen and, in the case of LeFou, are poorly executed. I can only hope that their representation of him is better than the film and for the love of all things diverse and beautiful, please don’t let it be tragic.

Joanne Archer

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DISCUSSING MENTAL HEALTH & HISTORY Holly Pyne reports on the History department’s Mental Health Day pop-up seminar.

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he seminar titled ‘Mental Health in Historical Perspective’ was a great way for the History department to contribute to the discussions taking place on University Mental Health Day (2 March, 2017).

The event was organised to draw attention to Mental Health as a topic, but also to charges surrounding students who want to be assessed for learning disabilities. The costs of assessments can be up to £400 for a student, a sum that lots of students cannot afford.

There were talks from six incredible History lecturers: Dr Mark Whelan, Dr Jane Hamlett, Dr Edward Madigan, Dr Stella Moss, Dr Graham Smith and Dr Emmett Sullivan.

The History department put on the seminar to draw attention to the issue and show supports to students who are struggling academically due to learning difficulties, diagnosed or undiagnosed.

The seminar stressed the importance of talking about mental health and showing support publically for those who need it.

Each gave insight into the topic and its perception during their areas of study, from Fifteen Century Christendom to Asylums in Victorian England. As a History student, I obviously found it amazingly interesting but students from other students also seemed to love the event

It is great to see a department showing public support for its students and raising awareness for mental health and those with learning difficulties.

Aside from raising awareness, the event was well-organised and informative.

It was a different way to engage with students, using the specialism of the department and the lecturers involved.

It was one of the best ways to talk about the topic, and I was incredibly proud to be a part of the department, It can only be a good thing that departments are engaging with subjects important to students and their welfare.

If you’re concerned about any of the topics discussed, please talk to the Disability and Dyslexia Services, or contact your personal tutor or another lecturer.

See the Royal Holloway website for more contact information.

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REEL FASHION SHOW Kathryn Pearson reviews the Reel Fashion Show: a collaboration of societies’ designers and performers.

et in Stumble Out under hazy lighting and the soft scent of perfume, the Reel Fashion Show radiated elegance from the outset. The collaborative event was organised by Reel Music, Textiles and Fashion Society, and CoppaFeel, with guest appearances from Dance, Sustainability, Cheerleading and Band Society. The spectacle of artists and designers colluding under one roof was certainly a night to remember, and displayed RHUL student’s innovation and creativity at its finest.

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The evening kicked off with an introduction from Textiles’ RakayaFetuga and Fashion’s Rachel Foster, who outlined the inspiration behind each of the three catwalks. The first, a spring/summer collection of swimsuit designs from Fashion Society, was an original take on classic holiday attire. Timeless high-waisted shorts were paired with crochet-knit bikini tops, creating a soft bohemian look that was accentuated by careful rib detail.

The designs also featured retro floral prints in vibrant colours, attentively modernised with mini dresses and

wide-leg trousers to enshrine the flavour of summer. Evening-wear was also included, with traditional denim being reworked with multi-layered tones of colour, reminiscent of the electro-funk style of the 80s.

The show was carefully interspersed with musical performances from a diverse range of singers. From alternative folk numbers, to heavy-bass tracks, to sombre ukulele songs, the variety of live entertainment kept the evening fresh while maintaining the lively atmosphere. Dance Society also featured, with a performance from Burlesque. Dressed flirtatiously in black bodysuits, the members staged a well-rehearsed and seductive dance to Paloma Faith’s ‘Upside Down.’

The second catwalk was equally impressive as the models playfully paraded the line to the sound of Bowie’s 1980s hit ‘Fashion.’ All the items were handmade and featured edgy and original designs, including stylish bell sleeves, understated openback blouses and an elegant revamp of the little black dress. The final catwalk saw Fashion Society’s authentic

re-fashioning of second-hand clothes centring around geometric styles. The bold patterns and kaleidoscopic textures ended the night in a striking showcase of the designers’ talent.

The societies of RHUL came together to fundraise for Reel Music’s chosen cause, the National Autistic Society. The night marked the end of their Bold In Blue campaign, in which each member wore something blue everyday throughout the month of February. With the help of the fashion show, the campaign raised an outstanding £224, all of which will be donated to NAS, who provide support for individuals and families who are affected by autism. With the ninth annual World Autism Week spanning from 27 March to 2 April, the show came at an essential time for students aiming to raise awareness of autism.

For more information on NAS, the work they do, or how you can get involved, visit autism.org.uk.

Photo Credit: Natalya Firdaus

38 ORBITAL | Royal Holloway Student Magazine

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RHUL GOT TALENT Photography Credit: Michele Theil

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he Raise-And-Give society’s charity event, aptly named ‘Royal Holloway’s Got Talent’ was hosted in the SU Main Hall and allowed students and parents to see a wide variety of talents and acts. The show aimed to raise money for Action Against Hunger, Meningitis Now and The White Lodge Centre. Action Against Hunger is “a global charity committed to saving the lives of malnourished children in over 40 countries”. Meningitis Now is a global charity that researches for and supports sufferers of Meningitis and The White Lodge Centre is dedicated to “supporting disabled people of all ages”. Each charity supports extremely worthwhile causes that RAG is dedicated to raising money for.

The event was organised by Mahmoud Zayat and Dana Hudson, with both

serving as judges alongside Grace Almond and Natasha Barrett.

Mahmoud declared that he was “so proud” of everyone involved while Dana stated that everyone “performed phenomenally”.

The show consisted of a total of 11 “diverse and talented” acts, each mentored by either Mahmoud or Dana, in a similar style to the popular talent competition ‘The Voice’. Toby Mugford hosted the evening and was an extremely fun and energetic addition to the evening. He said that he thoroughly enjoyed acting in and ‘Ant and Dec’ kind of role, “building [the performers] up as much as possible” and making sure the audience were having a fun and engaging evening.

Each and every act was different, comprising a number of talents that included dance, singing, circus acts,

hula hooping and speed-cubing (solving Rubik’s cubes under immense pressure). One particular style of dance that really surprised me was the one performed by the KPop Dance Group, dancing to Korean pop music. I, personally, am not a massive fan of KPop but their dancing and the way they used the music and the stage to accommodate the large group of dancers was amazing. The judges apparently agreed, awarding them a total score of 34/40.

Another surprise was when Josh Berrington snuck in a rendition of Dolly Parton’s ‘Jolene’ in the middle of his performance of The Animals ‘House Of The Rising Sun’. Without seeing it, it may be difficult to imagine such a mash up, but it worked out well and earned him a score of 34.5/40.

His deep voice also lent itself well to the two songs and it was particularly

Easter 2017

Royal Holloway Student Magazine | ORBITAL

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RAISE UP YOUR TALENTS Michele Theil reviews the RAG society’s charity event, RHUL’s Got Talent.

interesting when he decided to change the lyrics to “Mahmoud” instead of Jolene, singing directly to the judge, which earned a laugh from the audience.

Performances from ‘specialist’ acts, such as two previous presidents of Circus Society using their props to transport us to a Big Top-esque show and Maxie Berkman’s intense and skilled speed-cubing act, surprised the audience with “something different”, as one audience member said.

Two particular acts were awarded an outstanding 40/40 from the judges in the first round of the competition for their excellent voices. Sarah Vanderplank sang ‘Defying Gravity’, an immensely difficult song made popular by Idina Menzel in Broadway’s ‘Wicked’ and pulled off the remarkable high notes the song demands. The

judges were astonished and remarked that her performance that evening “topped every other rehearsal” and showcased her “phenomenal vocals”.

Natasha Barrett, in particular, spoke of how the rendition gave her “chills”.

Stephen Johnson, president of MTS for this year, also achieved a full score singing Panic At The Disco’s ‘Death Of A Bachelor’.

His performance was amazing and he commanded the audience spectacularly with his Macklemorestyle coat, walking onto the stage with the swagger of Kanye West at the Grammy’s. The judges, in their commentary, were impressed by his “gorgeous vocals” and “excellent wardrobe choices”, stating that his score was “extremely well deserved”.

Sarah Vanderplank, Stephen Johnson and Emily Bradbury, singing Ed

Sheeran’s ‘Castle On The Hill’, moved onto the Top Three and performed once again before the audience and judges made their final vote. Despite the excellent performances and the difficulty in choosing just one to win the show, it was Stephen Johnson that took home the prize that evening.

Johnson joked that he’d liked to thank his fans before going on to say that “winning doesn’t matter, it’s all about helping the charities” and that he believed “everyone was deserving of the win”.

Many of the performers stated that the night was “very successful” and that they all hoped that they could do their part for the amazing causes that RAG supported. To support any of these causes, please visit their websites or contact the RAG society on campus.