When I sat down to write this director's note I was brought back to the first play I saw this program do - Arsenic and Old Lace. I fell in love with the eccentric, crazy, and murderous Brewster family; which only made me want to see more. It took me two years and a pandemic to realize I wanted to be a part of this program.
I really couldn't help but think about the wonderful accomplishments of this theater department. From sending Taming of the Shrew and It’s a Wonderful Life to state, getting to premiere Harry Potter and the Cursed Child High School Edition for Missouri, and just getting through each of these shows. Some of them feel like they’re being held together by duct tape and dreams. I am so lucky to be a part of this theater program’s history.
It took me a lot to figure out my passion. It took me even more to realize it takes courage to pursue that passion. The Women in this play certainly have no lack of courage. They make sacrifices, stand up for what they believe in, and have the courage to tell their stories.
I find these stories inspiring in more ways than one. These stories have themes of adversity, intrepidity, grit, and spirit. All of these are qualities that you need to achieve great things in life. These are qualities the Sullivan High School Theater program shows and qualities I believe everyone needs.
Lastly I need to thank every member of the cast for being the best guinea pigs I could ask for. I appreciate you for putting up with my craziness and vague notes. I couldn't have done any of this without their support. I thank all of you for being my audience in my directorial debut. I hope that all of you enjoy watching Women and War as much as I enjoyed directing it.
-Elijah
This script came to me at the 2023 International Thespian Festival. Each night of the Festival I try to start reading a script as I fight for sleep as students run up and down the dorm hallways. No sooner had I opened the script was I not just done with the play but also about 2 hours had passed as well. The next night the same occurence. I continued to read and reread the play and realized it would one day find its way to our stage.
Last school year we almost performed this piece as a cut for the annual One Act competition, but fate had other plans. There is always a time and place for certain plays, and certain directors. This would not be my story to tell this time, but Eli's. Fortunately, things worked out just perfect for Eli to take over and for me to take a step back and focus on creating again. This break gave me time and energy to give the techies my full attention, where normally the actors receive it.
The set before you is a patchwork quilt of stories of hope, love, sorrow, and loss woven together by time and experience. Much like our nation's flag. These two items brought the design for this show together. So many different eras and stories that in no other way would work together, here, they are a part of the same quilt. Take a moment to look over each prop and design element. The family heirlooms and artifacts that create this show have been given a second chance to once again be the center of attention and to come back to life.
I'd like to thank you all for helping us through this process, as well as Eli for trusting himself to try a very scary and very difficult thing. He is the second ever student director I've ever had in my career, and the first here at SHS. Enjoy these stories and enjoy these moments that the students have brought to you in a labor of love and respect.
-W
