Boston Community Collaborative’s drama students in the Josiah Quincy Boston Public School Afterschool program recently presented “A Slice of Shakespeare.”
The adaptations of Macbeth and 12th Night were prepared over a 9 week period, and were performed last Wednesday at the JQS auditorium. The adaptations were written, directed and choreographed by Ingrid Oslund, lead drama and dance instructor at Boston Community Collaborative.
“Macbetta”, the adaptation of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, transported this story of prophesies and ambition to an elementary school cheerleading squad. Four witches told Macbetta that she would overthrow the current captain, Bani Quo. She did everything she could to make this dream come true, even if the results might be sinister.
“12 Nights”, the adaptation of Shakespeare’s 12th Night followed two twins separated in a storm and stranded in the strange land of Ilirya. Sebastian and Viola believed their twin had been swept away by the sea and asked for help from the citizens of this new place. Tricksters, Maria and Tobi, got them mixed up in a plot to keep the serious Malvolia far away from the wealthy Olivia. When a case of mistaken identity complicated this further, it left them all wondering if everyone was telling the truth.
Miss Ingrid’s Note: Shakespeare is considered, in the Western canon, to be the ultimate example of theater. The stories feel timeless, the language is heightened and beautiful, even the grand Kings and Queens of old are recognizable as completely, undeniably human. Through these scripts, these young actors had the opportunity to interact with this language and these stories in a relatable way. Every performer had the chance to explore small bits of verse and language as they made these stories their own.
BCC offers courses in Drama, Dance, Fitness, Engineering for Kids, and Chess during the St John School afterschool program, courses in Drama in the North End, and at the Josiah Quincy afterschool program. BCC holds a Movers and Shakers class for babies and toddlers at the West End Community Center. BCC hosts a number of community events: Movie Nights in the Gassy during the summer, an annual Halloween Party for adults, an annual Springtime Egg Hunt in Christopher Columbus Park and a variety of other things. For more information, contact becca0923@yahoo.com.
Upcoming Events:
December 10, 2 pm End of Fall session production of “The Snow Queen and the 12 Months”. This performance brings together all of our drama and dance students (4 classes of SJS students, 1 class of neighborhood students) to showcase and celebrate their talents and awesomeness.
January 2018, start of winter session of classes.
February 16 and 17, Auditions for “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, our Spring 2018 Mainstage show. This will be a collaboration between professional actors and our students.
Mid March – End of Winter session production
Spring, 2018, annual neighborhood egghunt.
June 1 and 2, 7 pm, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”.
Mid June, End of Spring session production
October 26, 2018 6th Annual Halloween FUNraiser for adults.
