This fall Hercules High Theater presents “Arabian Nights.”
“Arabian Nights” is a tale about Scheherazade, a women with wondrous stories that was commanded to become the King’s bride forcefully. The King, Harun Al- Rashid, is famous for killing virgin girls after a night with them. With her stories that are full of morals and tragedies, Scheherazade tries to escape her fate. The play starts comically and takes a tragic turn with several characters betrayal of their closest ones.
Working as a backstage leader in Arabian Nights was an amazing experience with Ms. Jamey Genna, an English, Art, and Theater teacher, as well as the actors. As I watched daily rehearsals from three to seven, I saw the actor’s dedication and passion towards each of their roles and Ms. Genna’s constant encouragement and dedication to nurture the actors.
The play itself was not an easy feat. Both Ms.Genna and the actors need to balance between school works and the rehearsals. Homeworks, College application deadlines and other activities makes it difficult for them to practice. Some influences hindered the actors from practicing such as. The rehearsals were a nightmare: the actors couldn’t memorize their lines and often skipped the rehearsals and Ms.Genna’s harsh scolding. It was hard for the backstage crew to connect with the actors, considering the different roles in the play.
Despite these challenges, however, their dedication and volunteers’ supports made it possible for the play to success.
The actors spent their time at lunch and after school to remember the script and the dances. Until now, I still can’t believe the amount of time they spent to remember the entire script and to perform in front of large crowds.
The volunteers also played important roles in the play. Thanks to four talented painters: Danielle Malacas, Veronica Averilla, Shelby De La Cruz and Ernestina Hsieh, the play continued with a wondrous backdrop. The tech volunteers helped in sound, lighting, and spot also plays a huge role in the play.
However, the play wouldn’t be possible without the director. Ms. Genna plays an important role in the play. She made the costumes and the props by herself, rehearsed with the actors, and instructed the backstage crew to make a successful play.
As the play got closer and closer, I witnessed how the actors matured. They became more punctual on rehearsals and communicated more with each other. Supporting them from the background and watching them grow was the most satisfying feeling. I got to see many personalities rehearsing to perform at their best. Especially the ones who are usually reserved suddenly expressed themselves like a different person.
December 1st, the play was a success. The actors performed magnificently and the staff gave their best during the performance. No one will ever imagine that behind those scenes, the actors were trembling nervously, rehearsing their lines, and trying to calm themselves by playing games. Before the play, they got closer together and performed relaxing and hilarious warm ups.
It was a bonding experience for the actors and the place to change oneself. I am excited for the upcoming production by the Hercules High School Theater.