{COMMUNITY} St. Stephen High School Theatre

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

{COMMUNITY} St. Stephen High School Theatre

There is a this magic that happens when the lights turn dim, the audience quiets and performers ready themselves to take their places... This magic is like an energy that pulls you into another a reality that is unfolding on the stage. I felt this energy as Sarah, Lisa and Casey took place their places on stage and began to live "Strawberry Fields", a play written by Kevin Brofsky and adapted and directed by SSHS's own Esther Soucoup.

Esther's adaption tells the story of two mother's whose son's were killed simply for who they were, and the judgement that lingered and oppressed the families' memories of their loved ones long after their deaths. It's a compelling story that touches on current social and cultural issue (specifically on the relationship between the gay community and the Church), and these young ladies did an amazing job bringing the story to life.

This is a super heavy topic for a high school drama team to tackle however it represents the issues that these young people think about and live. I love that Esther chose to bring this story to SSHS; it shows the community that our next generation are thoughtful and feeling, and the issues they think about and work through far exceeds the typical drama that is depicted in popular television shows or teen magazines. Though the play was a performance and the characters ages are at least double those of the actors, the story represents well the voice of sixteen and seventeen year olds today.

These young ladies, and those in their class that are like-minded, give me hope that we are moving towards a society that celebrates diversity. I am looking forward to a world where our uniqueness is what unites us rather than dividing us.

Esther and her small cast are headed to Prince Edward Island this weekend for a drama fest and camp of sorts after receiving a personal invitation from organizers who saw SSHS's performance during New Brunswick's drama fest last month. Join with me in praying for Esther, Lisa, Sarah and Casey. I pray they will have a enriching time, make great new friends, learn heaps more about theatre and the performance arts, and will continue to use their talents and passions to bring life to story!