A Note from the Director
Directing a show as well known and iconic as Les Misérables can be a daunting task. Almost all of the students who auditioned were already very familiar with the show, and that can be a challenge for a director. Particularly because I wanted the cast to approach the show with fresh eyes, and I wanted each choice to be new and authentic.
To help the cast move beyond their preconceived notions, we discussed the themes of Victor Hugo's original work and how those themes are still applicable to our society today. There were several long discussions about the nearly unbreakable cycle of poverty, and I asked them to consider if condemning someone to a prison sentence for trying to feed their family was moral. We discussed the purpose of prison; and theories of retribution, rehabilitation, incapacitation and moral just deserts. The twists and turns of this cast's curiosity led us to challenge each other's notions of right and wrong. It was an incredible sight, seeing a 14-year-old wonder aloud if we should even have prisons, and immediately being challenged on that notion by a 12-year-old. That is what I love about a timeless show like Les Miserables. It can change minds, affirm convictions, open hearts to new ideas.
These might sound like advanced concepts for a cast of 10 to 18-year-old kids. And I was worried about the same thing. So I tried hard to let them lead me. I've never been asked so many questions as I have been in the last 3 months. I think I answered most of them, or at least pointed them in the right direction.
I am also pleased that the school edition of this show did not lighten the material at all. The show has merely been shortened and adjusted to accommodate younger voices. There are still prostitutes (we had several conversations about consent), there is still violence, and there is still a suicide. In a time when children are exposed to violence of all kinds on a regular basis, no matter how much we strive to shelter them from it, I am grateful to work in a place that is safe. An environment where our students can express their fear and concerns and receive understanding and comfort. There was a lot of crying and hugging in our rehearsals. This cast has supported and cared for each other in a beautiful and unconditional way through this entire process and I am enormously proud of them.
Enjoy the show!
Celena Cox
