The BHS Drama Department has hailed another success with the performance of the play "Metamorphoses" by Mary Zimmerman. Families, friends, and fellow students alike gathered to watch the 85 minute show. The show is constructed of a multitude of separate scenes, called “vignettes,” that each tell a different story derived from Greek Mythology. An intricate and fantastical show, it ties ancient histories with modern language and humor. Whether that be the story of the God of Love told by children in Batman pajamas, or the tale of a son of Apollo- who was dressed in a Hawaiian T-shirt and sunglasses. Ultimately, and despite the fact that the Drama Department no longer has access to the Little Theater, the students involved put on an incredible performance that surprised and delighted all.
Perhaps the most unique and interesting part of this performance is the location and set pieces that were used. Because The Little Theater is currently undergoing construction, the performance took place in a Church in El Cerrito. Although perhaps an unconventional location for the production of a play, the elements of the space were used to their full advantage. Specifically, the literal pool of water that sat in the middle of the stage. An aspect of the show that is actually written in the script, it is used symbolically and is an engaging and wet addition to the show. Throughout its run, the actors moved in and out of the water during scenes, soaking themselves- and occasionally the audience- in the process. “The fountain as a whole represents transformation.” BHS senior Nevo Naftalinke-Kelman said. “It kind of varies from scene to scene, but in the scene with King Midas, it serves as a symbol for wealth.”
In the example of the King Midas vignette, which was the first one of the show, the actors told the story of the infamous King whose own greed caused him to encase his daughter and everything he loves in gold. Throughout the scene, Naftalinke-Kelman, who portrayed King Midas in this specific vignette, waded and kneeled in the water during the most pivotal and emotional moments of the scene. As he drops regular objects, like his frozen daughters jump rope, into the water and pulls out gold ones, it was an incredible metaphor that brought significant creativity and feeling to the whole show.
“A highlight of the show for me was when someone had a floaty in the pool, which was such an interesting and unique experience to watch.” BHS junior Vivian Roston said. This particularly enjoyable vignette detailed the story of a son of the Greek God Apollo and his therapist. After a series of much more serious vignettes, this character, named Phaetheon, runs onto stage in a Hawaiian shirt, and plops down in a flamingo floatie in the pool of water. A welcome change after the significant intensity of the previous scenes. The scene itself is incredibly funny, as the character floats around the pool sharing his hysterical story about his relationship with his father- his therapist rolls around in an equally humorous black rolling chair and psychoanalyzes Phaetheon's every decision and want. Despite the fact that the scene ended on a very serious note, it didn’t take away from the quality of the vignette at all. Every actor did a fantastic job balancing comedy with reality in scenes- whether that be Ceyx mourning her husband lost at sea- or Phaetheon detailing the seemingly funny story that led to his eventual death.
While every element of acting and setting was fantastic, another highpoint of the show was the music.
“The musicians, they all played their own instruments and created the music for the show,” performer and junior Eve Eyal said. “It added a lot to the show.” The musicians, Juniors Ben Endres, Charlotte Donaldson and Felicity Atala composed of around three students, each played a different instrument- including the flute and violin. Throughout the show, soft music was played in the background of nearly every scene. The music was played so naturally and suited to the scene that it was almost imperceptible- but it added a truly realistic and dynamic element to the show. They weren't limited to music, they also provided sound effects- like the sound of an annoying alarm when telling the story of the god of sleep.
Since the performance was impeccable, it may seem impossible to imagine any of the trials that occurred throughout the rehearsal process. While auditions and casting took place in May of last year, rehearsal for Metamorphoses didn’t start until the beginning of this school year. That left the cast with less than two months to fully workshop and create this nearly 90 minute show incorporating so many distinct elements- including the pool of water that they didn’t have access too until the week before the show, every actor having various characters and lines to learn, and balancing the modern comedy with mythological stories. On top of that, their Director and Theatre Department head Caitlin Louchard went on maternity leave just a few days before their opening night.
But at the end of the day, every performer- whether an actor or musician put on an incredible performance full of passion, emotion, physicality, and humor when need be. Through every circumstance, these performers dazzled their audience once again.