Boston Community Collaborative (BCC) is so proud of its drama and dance students for their amazing performance of The Jungle Book. Ingrid Oslund’s adaptation, choreography and direction of this beloved story encompassed two age groups each of drama and dance from St John School. The performance took place in the Boston Harbor Community Church.
The actors and their supporters enjoyed a festive reception following the play in the Nazzaro Center gymnasium. Regina Pizza and the most amazing Jungle Book themed cake from Mike’s Pastry were served.
Ms Ingrid’s comments on her adaptation of the story:
Adaptation Note:
The original novel, by Rudyard Kipling, is a thinly veiled metaphor for the colonization of India. While the Disney film has separated the story from this concept, it is still present within the film. However, the story is also a contemporary and accessible way to discuss the concept of identity, particularly the trials and tribulations of finding the people you seem to fit with most. That is why I choose to use this rather problematic base to create the script. I believe this is an important concept for young people to explore through theatre and that the characters are recognizable and clear enough to make real life connections.
Director’s Note:
An all animal cast provides a unique acting challenge for these young actors. I wanted to do a show with a story that would encourage exaggerated and theatrical physicality and distinctive characters. These performers have been able to embrace these choices and create creatures that are all their own. The younger class has a more process based class, going on daily process drama adventures as jungle explorers. They have been tasked with creating the environment of the piece and my goal is that they will gain some basic performance skills while, more importantly, allowing their creativity and imagination to go wild.
Choreographer Note:
As a dancer, it is important to have a wide range of movement and to explore as many styles as possible. The younger class has two dances, one traditional musical theatre number and a more hip-hop inspirited fast paced dance. The Older Class had three styles to explore, a hip-hop lyrical piece, a swing and tap inspired number, and finally a disco and contemporary musical theatre number. Hopefully, each student can feel challenge in their dance ability as well as have a ton of fun.”
Special recognition to: The family and friends of all of our amazing students, St. John’s School and the faculty and after school workers who make our program possible, Boston Harbor Community Church for the amazing performance space, and The Nazzaro Center for the great space for our post performance gathering.
Congratulations to the actors, and their parents and families. This young group of performers did an amazing job and all should feel extremely proud!
Ingrid is a playwright, director, and choreographer by trade. Her original work has been featured all around the Boston area, including Newburyport Actor’s Studio, On With Living and Learning, Emerson College, and Suffolk University. Over many years, Ingrid has taught hundreds of North End youth in dance, drama, and film. Her enthusiasm, professionalism, prolific work, and her wonderful ability to work with people of all ages and backgrounds is impressive. The North End is lucky that she shares her amazing talents with our kids and families in the North End.
Boston Community Collaborative was incorporated in 2013. Its mission is to connect people, and enrich lives. In addition to producing this play, BCC offers courses in Drama, Dance, Fitness and Engineering for Kids during the St John School afterschool program and hosts a number of community events: Movie Nights in the Gassy during the summer, an annual Halloween Party for adults, and an annual Springtime Egg Hunt in Christopher Columbus Park. BCC has some exciting new ventures and expansion planned for the upcoming year. For more information, contact becca0923@yahoo.com
Included photos are from rehearsals, the performance, and the post performance party.
