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Chancellor’s Speaker Series on a hot Streep

Sold out Tsongas Center gets a look into the illustrious career of Meryl Streep

“It’s safe to say that tonight we are in the presence of the greatest actress of our time,” said Chancellor Marty Meehan before a sold out Tsongas Center.

On Tuesday April 1. UMass Lowell welcomed world renowned actress Meryl Streep as the second installment of the Chancellor’s Speaker Series, which began in Dec. 2012 with Stephen King. Meehan stated that Streep had helped raised over $230,000 for two scholarships: one for English majors and another for math. The conversation was moderated by bestselling author and UMass Lowell English professor Andre Dubus III.

For the conversation, Dubus addressed Streep as a fellow artist, exploring the creative process throughout her storied career.

“The heart of her [Streep’s] art is that she has somehow found a way to open her soul and show us what’s there,” said Dubus.

Clips from several of Streep’s films were incorporated into the conversation to give a perspective on her acting prowess. The audience witnessed her range of skill from the 1979 hit “Kramer vs. Kramer” to the more recent “The Devil Wears Prada.”

However, one of the more poignant moments came after a segment of the movie “Doubt.” As Sister Aloysius, Streep passionately argues with Father Flynn, played by the late Philip Seymour Hoffman. Seeing her friend on screen again struck a chord for Streep.

Visibly emotional, she said of Hoffman, “What a gorgeous artist, what a loss for our profession.”

According to Streep, her best performances have fed off the energy and chemistry with other actors.

“You’re held up by the support of other people,” she said. Streep continued, saying, “Acting is a very mysterious craft. I have no idea how the best do it.”

Undoubtedly one of the best herself, Streep was consistently humble during the discussion. Dubus had to prod and coax Streep into admitting to any of her natural acting talent. He was able to impart upon the audience that Streep had a near photographic memory of lines and learned several different languages for various roles.

She also learned violin for the movie “Music of the Heart” and is rumored to be getting bass guitar tips from Neil Young for an upcoming role.

Despite her cavalcade of awards and accolades, Streep was very generous with audience, ushering them into her life with both honesty and humor. Her banter with Dubus was playful as she shushed him for getting to talkative.

“Did he just quiet me down?” Dubus asked the audience.“It’s very difficult to do so,” she responded, to the delight of the audience.

Streep was equally receptive of the audience, fielding questions from over a dozen students and guests on a variety for topics after finishing her conversation with Dubus.

Genesis Peralta, a junior English major, asked for the eight-time Golden Globe Award winner’s advice for young women trying to enter the film industry.

“Don’t let the bastards get you down,” Streep said to the roar of the audience. “Just don’t give up.”

Throughout the evening, Streep’s advocacy for women’s empowerment and individuality became apparent.

“You’re differences and what’s most unique about you is what has the most value,” she said. “Whatever is weird about you is really your strength.”

Before the closing of the event, Dubus reminded the audience that Streep had insisted on speaking at UMass Lowell free of charge, despite being offered a hefty sum. She preferred for the money to go toward the two scholarships she helped establish.