Thirteen groups of students put on performances from a variety of nations, choosing songs and dances from their home countries as part of the International Club’s 26th annual International Extravaganza, held on April 16. 

The Club’s executive board organizes the Extravaganza every year. Presidents Anna Simeonova ’11 and Saikrishna Chavali ’11 helped plan the majority of the night’s events. Chavali pointed out that the success of the Extravaganza “depends on preparing for the details and leaving time for mishaps before the event.” 

This year’s theme was “Revolutions,” in keeping with the current events in the Middle East. International Club member Jean Jacques Ndayisenga ’13 said that the group tried to “pick a theme that drew people’s attention.” Shany Tropper ’13, Gordon Fischer ’13 and Chavali acted as  the emcees of the night. They created a story within the show to emphasize the theme of revolution. Chavali posed as the self-obsessed emcee dictator until Tropper and Fisher overthrew him. In the end, the emcees made peace and no animosity remained. “I had the most fun when Gordon and I exchanged clothes,” Tropper said. “It was hilarious to see Gordon wearing my national costume. I really had to prepare myself not to laugh on stage.” 

The club tried to make sure that every country at the College represented. Planning began a month in advance with the creation of four different committees—publicity, decorations, food and coordinating—to ensure the night’s success. The week of the Extravaganza, the International Club held rehearsals to try to organize the event order and to ensure that the performances were complete and ready for the event. 

Additionally, the Club held a contest to design a new banner for the night. Arlinda Rezhdo ’13, from Albania, created the winning design and took home the $100 prize. The Club hung her banner above the stage for the Extravaganza. 

Most international students at the College are paired up with a host family when they come to the U.S. The night serves a time for the families to come see their host student’s work from their home country. “It is one of the best things [the host family] gets to experience,” Ndayisenga said.

The night culminated with a serving of an array of international cuisine. Students cooked dishes from their home country in attempt to expand the College’s food palette. 

“The whole thing was a huge success,” Fischer said,  “Having been behind the scenes and seeing how hard everyone worked to prepare, I am so grateful to have been a part of it.”