Twenty Power Point slides, 20 seconds each.
That’s all it takes to send a message at Pecha Kucha, a unique storytelling event featuring various presenters that originated in Japan in 2003 and is now regularly held in nearly 380 cities worldwide. On Dec. 5, it was Trinity’s time to shine, as the University played host to San Antonio’s 28th Pecha Kucha before hundreds of attendees in Laurie Auditorium.
President Danny Anderson, who opened as the first presenter of the night, joined six other guests, including former Congressman Charles A. Gonzalez, journalist Mary Lance, couturier Leighton W., Magik Theatre founder Richard Rosen ’69, automotive magnate April Ancira ’02 and community artist Margarita Cabrera. Anderson’s presentation detailed Trinity’s trek to San Antonio in the mid-20th century, along with his personal path to his current position as president.
“It was an energizing challenge, condensing my journey and Trinity’s journey side-by-side in this succinct format,” Anderson says. “Both tales, Trinity’s and mine, have their twists and turns. And yet our destination is shared in the end.”
Following Anderson’s presentation, Lance explored the life of Lynn Ford, the younger brother of Trinity architect O’Neil Ford. Lynn left an “unassuming but profound impact” on Trinity through unique wood designs in the University Chapel and Governors’ Corridor, among other locations, said Lance, who has published a book on the younger Ford brother.
Gonzalez, a Democrat elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in Texas’ 20th District from 1999-2003, brought decades of political experience to bear on the current strained political climate, noting that “public service is not about voting your party first… it’s about coming together to get things done.”
Cabrera, an artist renowned for her sculpting work, detailed her plans for a new piece titled Arbol de la Vida: Voces de Tierra, a 40-foot monument to be installed near Mission Espada on the west bank of the San Antonio River.
Ancira, vice president of Ancira Auto Group and host of KLRN’s weekly Arts program, shared her experience with training for triathlons and Ironman races after multiple pregnancies.
Rosen illustrated his path from artist, director, and producer to founder, all while explaining his “crazy notion” that “artists should be paid fairly for their work.” Rosen also invited the audience to “enjoy theater and demand that it be great.”
Leighton W., an artist with a ballet and fashion background, navigated the topic of female empowerment, casting a light on the issues of social, mental, and physical abuse that women still endure in modern society.
This was the final Pecha Kucha event for San Antonio in 2017. For more information on future events in 2018, visit the Pecha Kucha website. Viewers can also see a recorded live-stream of the Dec. 5 event through Trinity’s Tiger Network.
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