Shakespeare inspires students: Moorhead High presents political drama ‘Julius Caesar’ April 28-May 1
April 13, 2016
In April, thousands of English teachers around the world will be freaking out. April 23 is the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s death. To pay homage to this great event Moorhead High School’s cast of the spring show is performing one of his classics, “Julius Caesar” on April 28-May 1.
Dawn Gunderson, director of the spring show, chose this amazing piece of literature for her show. She has taught “Julius Caesar” for many years to her students.
“It’s been a part of my curriculum in tenth grade for 15 years,” Gunderson said. “I know it kind of like the back of my hand.”
She is excited to share the Shakespearean works with her young actors. “It’s always fun to teach ‘Julius Caesar’ when our country is in the midst of an election year,” Gunderson said. “I couldn't ask for a more media-driven, lively, dramatic, important political season than what is currently happening in our nation as I’m directing ‘Julius Caesar.’ In the back of my mind I have been planning to direct this play for a long time, but I did wait specifically for this spring because of the political caucuses, rallies, debates, soon-to-be nominations, and upcoming November Presidential election.”
Student-director Konner Doucette, who also plays Octavius Caesar in the show, loves the challenge of difficult literature for a high school production.
“I think it is super cool and an amazing learning experience to get to do a Shakespearean play through Moorhead High School theater,” Doucette said. “Getting to learn about the time period and going in and really researching how different the ‘norm’ actually was.”
Though the cast is excited for this opportunity to share the classic play, they are nervous about living up to the legacy. Linka Wintersteen, Marc Anthony in the show, is timid about filling such large shoes.
“I think a show like ‘Julius Caesar’ is challenging because of its language and age,” Wintersteen said. “But it is also an incredibly valuable opportunity for us actors and our community to come together and re-imagine the power of this story.”
For the cast, the rehearsal process is moving fast, but is very enjoyable.
“The rehearsal process has just begun but is already filled with ingenuity and fun,” Wintersteen said. “We are working hard to memorize and really dig into our lines as well as weaving together scenes that will make audiences become just as engaged in this story as we are quickly becoming.”
The cast struggled as the process began, especially finding rehearsal spaces when the theater was occupied by the Horizon Middle School show and the One-Act play.
“We were not really in our home space for rehearsals,” Gunderson said. “We have to take whatever might be left over space in our high school. We go wherever we can, because we must go on.”
Despite the hectic work area, the cast is growing a strong bond. “The cast is a load of different personalities, and it will be cool seeing how we can all click together,” Doucette said. “I love doing theater and learning from multiple aspects of the process is super valuable to me.”
Gunderson decided to put her own spin on the Shakespearean classic. She has modernized the show from 44 B.C. to political America today.
“I’m giving the essence of Washington, D.C., with our political scene of Republicans vs. Democrats,” Gunderson said. “We have modern costumes, so my Senators and conspirators are going to look like Secret Service people.
It will be a political thriller that portrays the struggle for power along with the struggle of a man's conscience of what to do for the good of all the citizens. The play highlights themes of ambition vs. honor and conspiracy vs. love. Our production will capture the energy of our current American political landscape with rallies, protests, and conventions to behind-the-scenes deal making and strategizing.”
It’s a unique way to differentiate from all the other productions, and it helps reach contemporary audiences by identifying with modern problems.
“I think with the election coming up putting our production in contemporary times is going to make people think about the fact that Shakespeare’s stories and themes are timeless, even if the language might seem a bit old,” Doucette said.
Another way they are bringing the show into the future is by having women play men’s parts. In Shakespearean times men played both male and female roles, but now Gunderson is having actresses take on the challenge of a male role.
“I have several girls playing male parts,” Gunderson said. One of these ladies is Wintersteen. Wintersteen is excited to take on her new role and waiting for the chance to show their hard work.
Performances are 7:30 p.m. April 28-30 and 2:30 p.m. May 1 at Moorhead High Schools, 2300 4th Ave. S. The show runs about two hours with an intermission, since this show is a shorter cutting than the original play.
Tickets may be purchased at www.moorheadschools.org/tix or by calling the box office at 218-284-2255. Tickets may also be purchased at the door.
The 60 members of the cast and crew would appreciate a large audience to share this amazing story written by a true literary genius.
“If you’re really feeling up to the challenge, care about theater and come see our show or one of the multitude of mind-changing masterpieces that are going on right now,” Wintersteen said. “It’s worth the time, and it’s worth the effort.”
- Megan DuChene, Reporter for Moorhead High’s The Spud
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