2 minute read
Theatre Four Presents "Shakespeare in Love"
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By Shelby Falahat, Junior Reporter, SRVHS
At San Ramon Valley High, the Performing Arts Program not only challenges students to explore various character roles, but expects students to transform the reality of audience members. Beginning with Theatre One, students in Performing Arts work diligently to reach Theatre Four. Although all levels of Theatre benefit SRV students, Theatre Four allows individuals to build lifelong friendships as well as be a part of a community that shares similar interests. In addition, Theatre Four has a tradition that makes the course unique. Every year, Theatre Four students dedicate their time and energy towards a life changing performance. The performance consists of solely Theatre Four students and never fails to amaze audience members.
To end the year off on a strong note, Theatre Four will be presenting Shakespeare in Love based on the screenplay by Mark Norman and Tom Stoppard in April. The story follows William Shakespeare throughout his life, specifically focusing on his love affair. As Shakespeare is involved with his own love affair, he begins to write his renowned play, Romeo and Juliet. The performance showcases the obstacles as well as the mentality individuals possess while being “blinded by love.”
Unlike a traditional play, William Shakespeare will be performed by Maddy M., a Senior, and Katheryn B., a Junior at SRV. While in the audition phase of the play, the director, Kyle Nash, did not allow stereotypical roles to distract him from forming the perfect cast. Nash decided to let the auditions speak for themselves, resulting in his decision to cast Maddy and Katheryn as the lead male roles of the play. Although Maddy has confidence in her abilities to play William Shakespeare, she did not expect the role to challenge her as an actress. Maddy revealed that, “I underestimated the power of transforming my mindset into a male’s perspective, especially when they are in love.” The mannerism, characteristics, as well as tone of voice of a male all challenge Maddy and Katheryn, allowing them to develop stronger skills in regards to acting. Similarly, the Theatre Four students must adapt to the linguistics of the past, which has been claimed to be “peculiar, yet fascinating.” The Theatre students have not allowed the challenges to alter their positive mindset and confidence in the show. In fact, the students announced that, “the challenges are what makes the play unique compared to past performances.”
In comparison to previous years, Theatre Four students have had the opportunity to revert to the past in hopes of showcasing passion on stage. As gender roles are swapped, audience members will be provided with the opportunity to experience a performance showcasing talent, while young women and men transform their true identities for the night. Thus, allowing the audience to absorb Shakespeare’s underlying message regarding the foundations of romance and passion.
Shakespeare in Love will be premiered from April 15th to 18th at 7 P.M inside of San Ramon Valley High’s Performing Arts Center. These young actresses and actors can’t wait to bring this story to life and engage with their audience members. They have put their hearts and souls into the upcoming performance, showcasing their undying passion for the Arts.
Shelby Falahat is a Senior at San Ramon Valley High School. She loves writing as a tool to express herself as well as learn about the world around her. She also has a passion for working with children. Recently, Shelby has had the opportunity to work at Kumon, which has allowed her to teach young students math and reading. In addition, she loves to travel with her family across the globe.
