Dear Reader,

Welcome to the fourth volume of Ladue’s literary magazine, Melodrama! After Ladue alums Cassie Beisheim (‘20) and Anna Liner (‘20) founded Melodrama, the magazine deviated from being an arts-and-culture magazine with both typical newsmagazine articles and student submissions to an official literary magazine. Through the tremendous efforts of Rhea Patney (‘22) and Oviya Srihari (‘22), Melodrama was transformed into an anthology of student art, writing, music and video. And although this is the first year without them, our goal has remained consistent: to provide an outlet for the creative work of our student body.

This year, we decided to take a different approach to the magazine’s theme. Nychthemeron is a full period of 24 hours, both night and day encapsulated within one word. After every nychthemeron ends, another begins. From this cycle, we created four sections: night, sunrise, day and sunset. Every 24 hours, we are given the opportunity to start a new day. As the sun rises and sets, we witness a never-ending cycle of creation and destruction. Each day is a canvas of limitless opportunities, capable of being colored with new memories and experiences. And just as we share these days, we can share these opportunities through art, photo and video.

When the moon gives way to the sun, our world begins to stir, readying itself for a new day. The bright morning sun parts through the clouds like a promise to bring forth the endless possibilities the day has to offer. But as we live in a perpetual cycle, the day must eventually come to a close. The sun rises in the east and it sets in the west, where we find moments of tranquility and peace. The day inevitably retreats back into the stillness of night, offering a chance for reflection before the sun rises once again, Through the magazine, we can see one cycle, one day, out of the thousands we will have in our lifetime. We chose to begin the magazine with a piece that embodies the essence of nighttime: Bioluminescence by Evan Cody. The piece not only displays the signature darkness of the night but demonstrates light, the hope within the unknown.

To close out this letter, we have several thank yous. First, thank you to our staff — submission reviewers, editors and designers — for sharing this passion for Melodrama with us. It was a joy to watch the magazine take shape with you throughout the year. Secondly, thank you to our adviser Mrs. Kirksey for her guidance, patience and time. Despite being on maternity leave for a chunk of the second semester, she was always there to answer any questions (and trust us, we had many questions). Of course, none of this would’ve been possible without our submitters. We loved reviewing every single piece submitted; we’re so incredibly lucky to be surrounded by such talented and creative students. Last but definitely not least, thank you for reading, and we hope you enjoy the fourth volume of Melodrama.

Sincerely,

Olivia Hu editor in chief

Mimi Zhou junior editor in chief Annie Zhao junior editor in chief