Student-Driven Play Features Original Script, Music and Dance
The Upper School fall production is unique in that it’s an adaption of three Sophocles’ plays, but it also stands distinguished because of the influx of student creativity and ownership – written by a student, original music by a student, choreographed by a student, and more!
“The play is the result of a year-long study by its author and assistant director, junior Kirsten (Shaw) Mettler. Senior Charley Tiernan is the production’s choreographer, and the sound design, including original music, is by senior Yonatan (Yoni) Hirshfield,” said theater manager Charlie Alexander.
The Theban Cycle is the result of work performed last year in an independent study by Shaw Mettler under the mentorship of Mr. Alexander. It is an adaptation combining three classic Greek plays, Oedipus the King, Oedipus at Colonus, and Antigone, into one cohesive narrative.
“I combined the three original Sophocles’ Oedipus plays into one story, modernized the language, added character development, and turned all the chorus sections into Shakespearean sonnets,” explained Shaw, who further noted that the actual process began at the end of her freshman year when she was approached by Mr. Alexander and asked if she would help them with a project. The actual play was written during her sophomore year.
Also instrumental in the production is Yoni Hirshfield, who is the sound designer and is also engaged in an independent study with Mr. Alexander. Yoni noted that he writes music at home and that the entire project is a way for him to build his portfolio for college admissions.
“I am writing original music as well as creating all the sound effects and the microphone array for the show,” said Yoni. “I work with Charley Tiernan in creating music for the chorus choreography and am having a lot of fun working with the rest of the team to create a show.”
Shaw noted that she and others attend just about every rehearsal, which amounts to 13 hours a week. Costume design is another student-oriented component of the show. Junior Sophie Deshpande is assisting with wardrobe.
“It’s exciting to step into rehearsals and have discussions about the themes of the play, from the friction between fate and freewill to the sometimes detrimental effects of power on leaders. The cast really owns the work, especially as we have students in design and direction positions. It’s a powerful and fun collaboration to be a part of,” said Mr. Alexander.
According to theater teacher Lisa Daly, The Theban Cycle follows the tragic course of events caused by corruption in the ruling family of Thebes, whose overwhelming pride invites self-destruction.
“It’s a timeless story, told in a timely manner,” she said.
For Shaw, who usually acts in the Upper School productions, being assistant director is “a little weird” because it means that she has to give guidance to her friends.
“I would say most of the work I do during rehearsal is character work. Since from writing I got very close with these characters, I talk to the actors about motivations of lines and so forth,” she said, adding that she has also written another play as encouraged by her mentors at Hamden Hall. Over the summer, Shaw had one of her pieces included in Scripts, Ireland’s Playwriting Festival, of which Miss Daly is co-producer, helping to develop the festival from concept stage.
The Theban Cycle will be performed on the Michael and Mary Jane Smith stage of the Taylor Performing Arts Center on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday Nov. 16-18 at 8 p.m.
Hamden Hall Country Day School
1108 Whitney Avenue
Hamden, Connecticut 06517
Phone: 203-752-2600
Fax: 203-752-2651
admissions@hamdenhall.org
Hamden, Connecticut 06517
Phone: 203-752-2600
Fax: 203-752-2651
admissions@hamdenhall.org
About Us
Hamden Hall Country Day School, located less than two miles from Yale University, is one of the best private schools in Connecticut to enroll elementary, middle, and high school students. Our nurturing and inclusive community provides a dynamic learning environment that promotes academic excellence by understanding each child and fostering their individual growth.
