Reading Between the Lines
Story appeared in the 2018 issue of QMS Connections Magazine.
BY HAYLEY PICARD, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING
Relationships these days are hard, and for teenagers, technology has created a whole new world of challenges and potentially funny pitfalls. In the opening scene of this year’s Senior School production of subText, the audience watches a young boy struggle to capture the perfect selfie. Trying one angle, discarding the image and trying again from another. His aim? To garner as many “likes” as possible for his photo on Instagram.
Noah Bird (Grade 9) who portrayed Cameron, a gay teenager trying to find his way, found the production challenging on many levels. “The vignette play style was new and I’ve never portrayed that type of character before. I needed help from Ms. Blake,” he shares. “I wanted it to be perfect and authentic. I really had to think about the script, act out each word and every scene so it would fit with my character. It was hours and hours of practice and took a lot of effort.”
Susanna Cai (Grade 12) who played Amelia, explains that subText was a modern reflection of dating. “In our part of the play, we explored how two completely different people could remain together.” Yet, for this spelling-bee queen, dating Ed (Olivia Kelly, Grade 12) who struggled to write perfect texts, it was challenging. “The play highlighted how we can be ourselves with each other and that we don’t have to change,” explains Olivia. “It’s funny how a text can create such a struggle in a relationship.”
Following a short intermission, the scene shifted to Bees, an original short play written by QMS Alumni, Winter Koyote (‘19). Bees was a complex exploration of team dynamics, leadership, the power of collaboration, and surviving the throes of teenage life. Through struggle, trust (and the lack thereof), Ace, Kid, Champ, Lulu, Bug, Chica, and Shrimp had to learn to work together or risk spending a very cold night stuck in an escape room. Good news, they made it out!
Noah feels that both plays were brilliant. “Being part of the subText cast was very special as it was a great way to incorporate teenagers. I think the audience felt our characters to be real and true,” he continues. “I enjoyed everyone and learned so much. I can’t wait until next year!”
Sadly, due to COVID-19, the Junior School production of Lion King Jr. originally scheduled to run in May 2020, had to be cancelled.