The Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center celebrated the installation of new theater chairs at an open house on Jan 18.
Completed during the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s winter shutdown, the renovation is the first since the Ross opened 16 years ago. More than 600,000 patrons have sat in the seats during the same timeframe.
The new seats are wider, offer extra cushioning and include in-arm cup holders.
The project was funded through a fundraising campaign that tallied $57,805 to cover the cost of 220 seats. The Ross continues to seek donations to fund 59 additional seats that remain unclaimed. The project is also funded by the Ross endowment at the University of Nebraska Foundation from the estate of Mary Riepma Ross.
The Ross reopened on Jan. 16. Now showing are Terrance Malick's "A Hidden Life" and Trey Edward Shults' "Waves." Both films are scheduled to show through Jan. 30.
Based on real events, “A Hidden Life” is the story of Franz Jägerstätter, an unsung hero who refused to fight for the Nazis in World War II. When Jägerstätter, an Austrian peasant farmer, is faced with the threat of execution for treason, his unwavering faith and love for his wife and children keep his spirit alive.
"A Hidden Life," is rated PG-13 for thematic material including violent imagery.
Set against the vibrant landscape of south Florida and featuring an ensemble of award-winning actors, “Waves” follows the emotional journey of a suburban African-American family. Led by a well-intentioned but domineering father, the family navigates love, forgiveness and coming together in the aftermath of a loss.
"Waves" is rated R for language, drug/alcohol use, sexual content and brief violence.
For more information, including show times, call (402) 472-5353 or visit https://theross.org.