UC High’s 2011 fall production The Children’s Hour, written by Lillian Hellman, is scheduled to run from November 1 to November 4, with ticket prices ranging from $7 to $10.
According to Senior Emily Culp, one of the students acting in the play, the story centers around two women whose lives are ruined when a little girl spreads a slanderous lie about them. “It’s kind of a heavy topic,” she said, “since the whole idea is that you’re watching a seemingly insignificant rumor intensely affect and destroy people’s lives.” Fortunately, despite the gloomy, serious aspects of the play, Culp is confident that audience members will respond to the central message–that gossip is more than innocent talk.
Although The Children’s Hour was written in the 1930s, Drama Teacher Belinda Brown believes the message is still very relevant today. “It speaks to people about how stories can get out of hand, and also deals with moral issues now, like teen bullying,” said Brown. “That was [one of the main reasons] why we chose this play; it will cause the audience to think. And then, of course, it has a surprise ending.”
Many people are working together on this production, from students to adults. According to Brown, around twenty to twenty-five of her cast and crew members are helping with the set, and others, such as student artists from the Artstech Arts-Media program, are designing the posters, programs, and other consumables. Professional Set Designer Christopher Rynne and Costume Designer Debbie Sullivan are also contributing hours of work on the production with Brown, helping students create the perfect atmosphere.
According to Junior Liyan Liu, another one of the actors, it is this type of collaboration that makes theatre special. “When everyone around you is feeling the same stress and going through the same process, it starts to feel like you’re all family,” said Liu. “That’s my favorite part–the connections we end up creating.” Brown also feels that the student’s bonds, as well as their innate love for performing, adds to all UC plays tremendously.