Welcome to the official 9th season of my tenure at FUHS. I am thrilled to be a part of the educational exploration of these student actors, technicians, directors and designers. This Fall season we are proud to be able to offer two incredible productions that focus on storytelling and take us on journies around the world. I am appreciative that Stephen John was able to join our directorial team to direct PETER AND THE STARCATCHER. He is a well respected director in the OC and I have learned so much watching his journey with the students. I am confident that the students are learning new methodologies and traditions that will enhance their future performances.
I am thrilled that these are the first productions produced at FUHS under the new Theatre Credential signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown on September 26th, 2016. While those still are not being passed out, I know that soon many of our students will have the opportunity to teach if that is where their desire takes them. It has been a long journey advocating for a credential that ensures that teachers with educational backgrounds in theatre and dance are teaching students in our schools.
I am humbled to be given an opportunity to direct an incredibly talented cast of actors in THE WOMEN OF LOCKERBIE.
The directorial concept of this production centered around exploiting Greek Theatre conventions, as intended by the writer, in a way that enhances the narrative of the piece. We wanted to tell a story that affected all parties involved including the actors, designers, technicians and the audience. These conventions gave birth to the theatre in ancient Greece and we, as modern practitioners, look to those conventions to guide our practice.
This is a highly stylized piece of theatre. You will notice that the "Women" Chorus often moves as one, representing the notion that they, as women, stand together to make right the injustices of their world. They share the same thoughts, emotions, and experiences. I often wonder what kind of world we would live in if our political leaders demonstrated the compassion, stamina, and tenacity that the women in this play display. They are "nasty" for a cause because they believe that "hatred will not have a place in Lockerbie" and they will do whatever it takes in order to find resolution for all parties involved.
As a cast we have spent many nights talking about hatred, terrorism and war. Unfortunately, these are the facts of life here in the United States, and even more prominently the world. The Pan Am bombing not only draws attention to the horrors of terrorism, but also sheds a spotlight onto those that are directly and indirectly affected by it. Personal tragedy can sometimes be, well, personal. Others affected by it are not always recognized because we, as humans, place the focus on ourselves during these heightened circumstances. It is our hope that, through theatre, we can learn how to be more human, how we can find better ways of dealing with conflict and hatred here in the United States and the world, and that we begin to recognize that tragedy in one part of the world is a tragedy we all share.
I would like to thank the following people for their contributions to our productions: Genni Klein who truly is one of the best mentors I could have on my team; Beverly Shirk who knows how to take my vision and dress it beautifully on stage; David Renken who tirelessly makes sure our digital marketing is on par with the industry; Stepen John who can now be considered a member of Thespian Troupe 2498 for his contributions to our program; our student leaders Lindsey Biggy, Laura Bilger, Arcadia Eckmayer, Elizabeth Gimple, Josiah Haugen, Tate Heinle, Aryanna Kelekoma, Michael Laverde, Breanna Love, Lynda Osborn, Fifi Rodriguez, Isabella Rojo, and Ginger Tan who put passion into doing the things they love the most.
Michael Despars
Artistic Director
Fullerton Union High School Academy of the Arts
2016/17 Site, District and Semi-Finalist for County Teacher of the Year
President-Elect, California Educational Theatre Association
Co-Director, Orange County Cappies
