Here we are in 2022 in a situation that gives many that deja vous feeling of having gone through all that's happening in the world before. Russia invades the Ukraine and once again invokes human tragedy throughout the region. So, when considering a selection for our summer workshop this year, it seemed quite topical to hearken back to the great wave of tragedy that swept across Russia in the years around 1905 when the Jewish race was purged from the country through the devastation of "pogroms", wiping out entire Jewish settlements by massacre or forced evacuation to achieve ethnic cleansing Thousands were killed, as thousands are being killed now. But in our little village of Anatevka we get to see a slice of life at the turn of the former century as revolution began to sweep their land and new ideas began to disrupt centuries of tradition that embodied the core values of a precious people just before they were forced to find new homes in other parts of the world.
A concern I have long had is trying to teach history to the younger generation so that they understand the world in context of the reality of the past. Most younger folks in America no longer study the past and its relevance to and impact on the lives we live today. American schools do not focus on the past and history is a quick study when it deserves so much more attention. Through the magic of theatre we can relive the impact of so many slices of time that have touched our lives. Consider "Les Miserables" and the French Revoltion, "Hamilton" and our own revolution, "Music Man" and the mid-America of the early 1900s, "Sound of Music" and the devastating impact of World War ll, or "Miss Saigon", taking us back to the unfathomable tragedies of the Vietnam War. These great shows and hundreds more allow us to live an hour or two in that slice of time and really feel the impact of what life might have been like for everyday people. That is what draws so many of us to the great art form of theatre. I have loved it from the time I began directing in my back yard when I was eight. When my grandmother began taking me into New York to see Broadway shows I was hooked.
These kids you see here on stage are having, what for many of them will prove to be, a transformational experience. Many may fall in love with theatre, some may realize the gifts and talents they have and some may just find that boost in self esteem that makes them feel better about themselves. These last couple of years have taken quite a toll on the younger generation and I personally hope that this summer has been a fun and impactful experience.
I want to persoally thank the Del Castillo family, without whom we could not survive. Ms. Agnes is our producer and does everything behind the scenes from registration to getting T shirts for everyone and spends hours accomplishing many essential tasks that go without notice otherwise. She has a finger in every pot. Ms. Sara, her daughter, has used her daunting musical skills to prepare the vocal arrangements with the cast creating wonderful layering and harmonies. She has given every child a reason to be proud of their vocal accomplishments. Not only that, she has worked with Meghan, my daughter, on the technical aspects of marketing and publicity to help establish an online presence and assist with communication. Sara is a music major in college now was in many CCCT productions until she "aged out". Her tremendous musical ability in undeniable.
All of us who are at the core are here to love the kids and lift them up so they can be the best versions of themselves. It is a privilege to work with them.
