Rhetoric Stage Students Put On A Great Show for the Community
This week we welcome Junior Teresa Singla to report on the Rhetoric Stage’s latest Shakespeare production which took place at the school’s library from April 29 to May 2.
Last week the Rhetoric Stage at Donahue Academy presented Shakespeare’s The Tempest. The play began with, as the title reads, a tempest! The storm was conjured by the sorcerer, Prospero, who had been living secluded on an island with his daughter, Miranda. This island soon became the setting for the play. Twelve years ago, Prospero had escaped there with Miranda from his wicked brother, Antonio, who, with the assistance of King Alonso of Naples, usurped him as duke of Milan. Prospero, upon seeing these very members of the court sailing near the island, sent a storm to shipwreck them and send the men to different parts of the isle. While he had the court in his power, Prospero meant to exact revenge on those who had wronged him. However, King Alonso’s son, Ferdinand, had found Miranda, and the two had fallen in love. Pleased by the match of his daughter and Ferdinand, Prospero eventually found it in his heart to forgive his wicked brother and the other members of the court who had contrived to steal his dukedom. He then resolved to give up all his magic power. The story grapples with the ideas of human forgiveness and the relationships between fathers and their children.
Students involved in the Shakespeare production dove right into work on the play as soon as they returned to school from Christmas break. They were determined to put on a production that would be a source of wholesome entertainment for the community and give all glory to God for His great gifts. Though it was no small feat working around the students’ tempestuous schedules, director Mr. Joch Luzarragafound time every day for the weeks prior to the performances to rehearse and work with students outside of school hours to make the play successful. Mr. Luzarraga supported the students each step of the way, pushing them to maximize their potentials as actors.
As opening night approached, the production became a source of excitement and anticipation for all the students involved. “I’m so grateful to Mr. L for putting on such an amazing performance. Everyone is so talented!” said cast member Anna Fulmer (Grade 11), who played Ariel. “Playing Caliban got me out of my comfort zone,” said cast member Gloria Jasso (Grade 11), adding, “being in Shakespeare was truly fun this year.”
From the production quality to the expert acting, The Tempest was a huge success and was regarded by some as the best production in all of Donahue history!
