US Student Stage a Classic

From December13-15 at Baruch College, Upper School students performed “The Odyssey,” adapted by Mary Zimmerman. Through the production students explored the idea of home: Is it a place, a feeling or a person? Can one ever get home? This was particularly enriching for Grade 9 students, who also read Homer’s Odyssey in English class.

Known for adapting classics and establishing the principles of Found Object Theatre, Zimmerman makes works more accessible and promotes the use of objects to illustrate ideas and concepts. Once such an example involved representing a hurricane with swaths of fabric carried by a cast member who ran across the stage. The epic journey home, which encompassed 17 islands and many adventures, allowed the 38-member cast and crew of 38 to shine. The Head of Performing Arts Steve Borokwa who directed the production comments, “Each island is inhabited by a different character that showcases terrific individual performances.” The demanding role of Stage Manager, who calls the show, was ably carried out by Lucy '25 who managed more than 700 light and 100 sound cues.

The role of Odysseus was played by two Grade 12 students who have appeared in many productions. Steve reflects, “It was especially wonderful to see Simon '25 and Amari '25 take on leadership roles on and off the stage. As I tell my students, the magic of the theater is us working hard, that’s the magic!”