The annual Chatelech Showcase on Thursday, March 31, will offer up a sampling of the Sechelt high school students' best: visitors can view artworks and films, munch cooking samples from the foods classes, see fashion designs, and hear music, dance and drama in the theatre. This year's celebration of the arts offers a selection of plays including two original pieces written, performed and directed by students.
Bad Cupid reflects the theme of this year's showcase: It's OK 2B Blue, with art that deals with the mental and emotional issues that teens face.
"Hate is such an ugly thing," remarks Cupid (played by Nathan Mount) as he attempts to help teens be more loving with one another and even find a match for such difficult prospects as Icky Mickey, played by Sam Mountenay. ("The director cast the most handsome man in this role," says Mountenay.)
Cupid's darts don't find their mark and the result is comical, made more so by the terrific performance of some of the girls who play the role of boys. This show features the combined grades of 10, 11 and 12 that drama/video teacher Paddy McCallum said work really well together as a group.
Another play, Mine, is directed by first-time student director Maize Longboat, Grade 11, who chose not to act in this one.
"I know what this play's about and can contribute as a director," he said.
The serious theme has to do with revenge on a bully. "It's a sensitive subject,"Maize said.
An original play, Metamorphosis, was written by Willow Koski-Kendel and Maya Schutz two years ago. They put it on in class and found a lot of interest from their fellow students, so Willow added to it, writing in many new roles, and it will be directed by Mayesha Geoffrion. The play involves a delusional character who interacts with inmates of an insane asylum.
Another original play, The Odd Roommates, was written by Baylee Higgins with artistic input from one of the actors, Mariah Wagman. Maya plays the part of a counsellor with her sock puppet who tries to resolve differences between the odd couple.
Unresolved Conflict, a two-hander from Rosalee Featherstone and Izabel Birtch, depicts two friends who love one another but must voice their problems.
The showcase will also feature solo dances from Emilie Bland and Baylee Higgins and a musical act from Rosie Hunter and Maize Longboat. Alexa Houle and Maya will offer performance art. Maggie Marsh's students have planned a fashion show during the theatre portion of the evening. Ahumorous video of the Village People's song, YMCA, made by students, will be shown along with the award-winning films for WorkSafe BC and the Privacy Commission of Canada. The Chat Jazz Band will perform in the foyer at intermission.
The Showcase celebration will be shorter than in the past -with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. at the school and the show running until 9. Tickets are at the door for $10 ($8 for seniors and students) and funds go to support the Fine Arts and Applied Arts at Chat.
