Students tap minds,

make play come alive

Absurd, witty, thought-provoking: One-act play brings out the best in high school actors

By KREMENA TODOROVA

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- Absurd, witty, thought-provoking, even inspirational -- there are many valid ways to describe the one-act play being produced at the New Ulm High School.

The play will be shown at 3 p.m. Saturday in the Middle School auditorium, ahead of traveling to the first stage of the State High School League competition in Marshall.

The play, "On the Verge or the Geography of Learning," features three Victorian women traveling in an imaginary land called Terra Incognita. The women meet several absurd characters -- a cannibal speaking like a German fighter pilot, a yeti, a rapping, rhyming troll -- before discovering they are actually journeying into the future. The play has ironic overtones. but it also celebrates the power of the human spirit, says the director, English and drama teacher Martha Turner.

Turner selected the play because it offered three strong female roles. "I knew we had strong actresses," said Turner, "as well as good, fun parts for guys."

When assigning the parts, Turner was choosing from a large pool of talent. Some 30-35 would-be actors auditioned.

For two months starting in late November, the 15 successful candidates --10 cast and five crew -- have met for rehearsals practically every day. It has been a huge time commitment, but it has been worth it, said Turner. "They learned and grew tremendously as actors and creative people."

The sets are minimal, because of the need to travel well and be easily assembled, in just 10 minutes. The biggest portion of the sets was built by the NUHS construction class, in a good example of collaboration, Turner notes.

The goal behind the effort is for students to learn the process of producing a theater show and "be proud of their creativity," says Turner.

It has been working, judging by the actors' comments.

Laura Anderson, a junior cast in one of the female leads, says that being part of the production has helped her gain experience and confidence.

Anderson, who sees herself as a future drama major or minor, was also drawn by the competitive component usually reserved for athletic events. That, plus the short time for rehearsals and the play's challenging level (it's a college-level production, says Anderson) "hopefully" helped "stretch" her acting skills.

Another actress, junior Jill Reinarts, tried out for the play with the idea of expanding what she describes as limited theater experience. For her, it helped that the production is taking place in winter, when other commitments are fewer.

Reinarts grew to appreciate the friendships developed during the process, as well as the opportunity "to learn from the other characters and take constructive criticism."

Luke Schoper, who plays the cannibal, was likewise appreciative of the interaction with friends and the self-discipline resulting from time constraints. "I've learned a lot, and it's been fun," Schoper says.

To quote Turner, director and kids alike loved the chance "to tap their minds and make it all come alive."