A Long Long Time Ago...

Well. Here we are. A month after the play ended. Thinking about all the experiences I had during this show, I remember all the good times. Now, a month later, I don't see the girls as much anymore and even most of my friends, I see most of them but then there are some that I never really get the chance to see regularly. With finals around the corner, I reflect on something Ms. Flynn tells us at the end of our shows: "This will be the last time all these people are together in the same room." Something I completely agree to. I may never see them all again but I think about all the memories and fun times we had together during this show. Now, after the play, and looking into the future, I'm gonna be done with highschool and finished with my first semester in college by this time next year. I wish I could talk for longer but, like all things, there's never enough time. Thanks for listening. Have a great day. - Ed

Beatrice vs. Chinedum

Due to the fact that I live in an urban neighborhood where bullets have no name, I thought it would be quite easy to approach such a character as Beatrice. I thought, "How hard could it be?" But when I'm actually on stage and reading through my lines, I realize that it's COMPLETELY different. It's different because I was never face-to-face with peer pressure or violence. Beatrice is pressured to join the Shepherds.  Personally, I feel as though she's reluctant but finally agrees to join the gang because she's new at school and longs for acceptance. Although, she chooses the wrong way to go and faces challenges in the end, Margaret and Ursula, Shepherds, accept her. They see her hesitance but keep pursuing her and Beatrice gives in because that's probably the closest she'll get to acceptance.
For me, I appreciate such a role. Playing Beatrice has opened my eyes to certain aspects of my community that I've never really noticed. I walk home every day in a Catholic school uniform past lost teenagers and drug dealers, and sometimes it can become routine. But now, I see that everyone I come across may very well be a Biron or Beatrice. Or maybe a King Navarre. Everyone meets a crossroad at some point in time. And it's up to them which path they choose.

Hurricane Sandy Stops School but Not My Work

When Hurricane Sandy rolled into our neck of the woods I was a little surprised by how badly it affected us. I mean St. Benedict's even closed and we never close EVER, but I didn't let it stop me learning lines during the storm. Even when my power was out I took an hour or even two out of my chaotic day to go over my lines, because even through thick and thin the SHOW MUST GO ON.

My first BIG Composition

Hello, I stated before in my first post that I don’t just play a character, the Poet, I also play and create the music. In my first play here at SBP, Tibetan Book of the Dead, I did most of the underscoring along with other members of the cast. In that play I played 3 instruments - my main instrument, an acoustic guitar, a student metal flute, and a Tibetan flute. However, I only worked and composed some of the music. Then, in The Beaux' Stratagem, my second SBP play, I also played the acoustic guitar for one scene, and in one song accompanied the lead actor. What makes this play different and the most important play I’ve done yet, is that I’m in charge of composing the entire music for the play. Finally I’m able to use my electric guitar, Fionna, and use my full rig. My group of artists for this play is called the Urban Beat Band (UBB), that includes another guitarist, and 3 percussionists who made their own drum rig out of city material and sounds.  Now I might also be gaining orchestral instruments like the clarinet and baritone. We will play the transition scenes, scene moods, and underscoring. Other than being the songwriter and bandleader of my own band, The Fallen Legends, composing this play will be a big step in my music experience and career.  This will be the first time I ever composed an entire play and I am so happy that Ms. Flynn chose me to do this. The process is hard but rewarding, seeing how all my UBB members bring their talents and skills to our music. Those who know my playing style will hear that “Dakota flavor” in there, but I hope to thin that out and allow everyone’s spice to add to the taste of my composition, making it an explosion of styles, sounds, and textures. So when you come, listen to the music and feel the hard work we all put in, and if you ever get a chance to talk to me don’t be afraid to give me some feedback. Remember, this is my first time composing something of this caliber. Thank you, and thanks to the Members of the UBB.

Farrad's advantages vs. Biron's disadvantage

Many people think that when you grow up in a town like Newark or Irvington, that you cannot become successful, because of things that may distract you in life. This may be true, but there are children who live in Newark who have been given a golden opportunity to attend a school that will allow you to have options and have a successful life. One of those children happens to be me. Not everyone is able to attend one of the best schools in the country. so I am grateful for this wonderful opportunity I've been given. As for my character Biron, who's also from Newark, he suffers because of the absence of his dad and because of the lack of opportunities that students are given who attend public schools. It makes me feel like so many more people deserve to have a successful life, and shouldn't have to deal with what happens In public schools everyday. Because Biron and others around him like Curtis and Borachio do not have this advantage, they will probably end in a bad situation, which is what parents fear the most about their children growing up in cities like Newark . In order for Newark's school system to make some kind of progress, so that everyone can receive the education they deserve, someone needs to speak up. So are you going to be that person, or are you going to be the one to allow things to get worse?     

Acting vs. technician

Drama guild

Most people join Drama Guild at St. Benedict's Prep because they want to act, or be a technician. Rarely are there people who are technicians and actors. I have decided to do both because the feeling is overwhelming when you look back at what you have contributed to the show as an actor as well as a technician.  Being an actor throughout the week allows me to rehearse scenes with my cast mates. Rehearsal helps us understand what we can do to make the play better. This time is a mixture of laughter and  being serious. Meanwhile, most of my Saturday is spent working on our wonderful set. There's no telling what the day has in store for you with Ms. Pat Flynn in charge. One minute we're hanging flats, the next we're painting them. Even though being a technician on weekends takes up my free time, I've learned it's not a waste of time, because everything that's being done is helping the play become a success !

Playing a Gang Member VS. Being One

       When someone auditions for a role, the person usually hopes to be the protagonist, because no one likes to be the person that does dangerous and harmful things to others. So, if they don't get the lead, they audition for a role that supports another hero, or that could be a doctor or lawyer. A figure of some good nature. But here, I'm playing a gang member.  For me, playing the role of Biron, a freshman who becomes a gang member, has allowed me as a person to learn more about gangs and how they can seem helpful to some, but how they are harmful to others. Portraying this role is allowing me to pretend to be someone who is in deep pain without the help of his father (who has been arrested for being a lead gangster), to show him what he should and should not accomplish in life. With this absence, it allows my character to become a spitting image of his dad, which is exactly what mothers are afraid of.  I think that this is the reason why so many people are members of gangs, because even though moms try their hardest to keep their children out of harm's way, it's not the same as having a fatherly figure to teach you right from wrong - someone you can talk to about anything. There's a special bond between a father and son that's really important for a kid Biron's age, or any child.

Kukiele Kimonawoko

During Drama Guild, we have been exploring gangs and how dangerous they can be. I've realized that gangs can be really dangerous, and hard to figure out what you are getting yourself into. And when you have figured out what you are getting yourself into, it's already  too late. Now I know, and it will be much easier to stay away from gangs. While I was in Drama Guild, I got to meet a lot of new and fun people, as well some people outside of school. I got to learn names of people in my school, and everything about them. I'm glad to have had this great experience with acting and friendship.

Biron Vs. farrad

When I was first told I was playing Biron, I was filled with excitement, but I wasn't sure how I  going to portray this character without really feeling what my character has faced. But this is what I thought when we first began  rehearsing for the play. As the weeks went on, I realized how much Biron and I really have in common. We were both raised by a single mom, and did not have a dad to look up to, and have a father and son connection with.  I also learned that Biron and I  have trouble expressing how we really feel about growing up without our fathers in our lives everyday. It was amazing for me to really find myself portraying this character who is somewhat very similar to me, but we take two completely different paths through life.

Deadline

As the opening day for the play gets closer every actor feels the fear of being on stage - having that feeling, realizing that everyone has a job to do. You ask yourself each time before you go on,'Am I ready?' Wondering if the other person knows his or her lines as well as you know yours. This fear is natural, some know it as butterflies and others as fuel, aka adrenaline. This is what is known as the make it or break it period... and only we can answer the question, 'Are you ready?' And hope the answer is yes. 

The Life Of A Technician

Being a technician requires hard work as well as determination. As long as you persevere, your experiences will not only be interesting but also fun! I never really thought that I would be a technician. but it is actually a cool job to do. Trying new things is always fun!

Hey my name is Brianna Evans, or just call me Bri and I'm one of the writers in this play. This is my first writing gig; at first I didn't know what I was doing, and then Ms. Flynn told me to help rewrite the poems from the original play. At first I was a little freaked out because as far as I'm concerned poems and I don't mix. I thought I was terrible at poetry, but when she mentioned that I should write something real, and write about my experiences with gangs and crime in my neighborhood, I started to write like I was actually talking to people, telling them what they already know but are not doing anything about. I'll admit it- I am pretty much cussing people out without actually cursing, telling them to speak up, and not complain about how Newark is, if they're not doing anything about it.

Being an actor

I am an actor and proud of it. I like being a different character every play. It takes true skill to change your personality at will. Other activities have more than one go at what they do, not just one game night, but multiple. We get one weekend and we give it our all when we go out on stage, and that's what makes us the best around.

Being a Techie

Working as a techie for Ms.Flynn is an adventure. Whether it's building a structure, painting a platform, or just simply helping out Ms.Flynn or the cast with something, everyday here is special because the people here are funny, awesome, and just cool to be around. Also, as a techie I feel like I'm creating a setting that I like to see everyday. The play will be one of the BEST!

Mr.Soothing

My name is Jonah Berkley and I have anger management problems. So in the play I am an anger management counselor. To say the least it is weird, and at first I thought I couldn't do it, but as Mr. Soothing says," Just breathe." So that's what I'll do. I'll take things step by step or is it day by day...

Sifting through the writing

Another week of rehearsal has passed, and we find ourselves reading the voluminous amount of material written by the school community for the play.  Writing on three different topics, students from all the groups shared with us their ideas about what is wrong with the school and their neighborhoods, and what they could do if they had the power to fix things. Students also discussed their personal "trigger lines" - things that provoke them to anger, and maybe even violence.  At the freshmen parents' meeting, adults also wrote for the play - contributing a grown-up's perspective about the issues facing the people in our neighborhoods.  Reading their hopes for the future and for their children has been a moving experience for us.  The community has been incredibly generous in participating in the writing sessions for the play.  Now to the work of assimilating what has been written into some coherent forms for the play.  

Who Decides a Family

Family? Nah this isn't a family. On T.V. they show pictures of what a family is supposed to look like. Mom, son, daughter and who? Father? What are those? Who are they supposed to be? Aren't they the ones who run things? Don't they provide for their family? I run things. I provide. Doesn't that make me a father? Absent fathers mean absent childhoods. Forced to be a man, I looked for manly things. What's more manly than being in a gang? At least that's what the T.V. tells me. Without a father, the idiot box is the only source of information I have. The T.V. makes me want things. It makes me want to be part of something. Why should I be alone? Why shouldn't I be able to be part of something? Why should I be alone? Why shouldn't I be able to have multiple brothers? What's wrong with joining a gang? That's more family than I've got. One of them falls, everyone reacts. If I fall who would know? My father? You know him? Good, when you find him, tell him I and all of my brothers say hello.

Dr Tom McCabe

       Today at rehearsal, a man who used to be a teacher at SBP visited, and told us about the history of Newark. I'll be the first to admit that it was a little boring at first, but when he explained how Newark is one of the oldest settlements and the gateway to many cities today, it became interesting. He also told us about how gangs had been around since the 1800's and it was very useful because the play is about gangs in Newark.He said how gangs ruined many lives and broke up families.But back then it just wasn't Black or Latinos in gangs. There were Jews, Irish,White, and of course Black and Latinos. He basically told us that gangs begin by bullying another race that came to this country after them. So they formed groups to protect themselves at first, then gangs became greedy. They started turf wars and decided that Newark wasn't big enough for all of them, so they went by the motto kill or be killed. Don't get me wrong I'm not trying to be dramatic or anything, that's the actor's job, but this really happened. Today gangs go by the same motto and sell drugs in the process,and kill innocent people or even kids just for the hell of it or to show off . Back then it was about protection. Now people join gangs for respect, but in my opinion you have to earn my respect instead of putting a gun in my face demanding it.  

                                                                                                 By: Bri Evans

Choice

In the play, one character says the line: "Everybody has a choice!" Another character argues that the situation gave Biron, the main protagonist, no choice. I disagree. Biron shot the Shepard and in the situation, the want for love and respect overcame him. I believe it was emotion that pushed Biron to do what he did. He could have easily put the gun down and chose not to; he could have shot King Navarre and fled; he could have killed Borachio or Curtis and fled or held one of the two of them hostage and left. But fear and want keeps these choices at bay. Biron would not have gotten the love and respect he wished for if he did not shoot the Shepard. He would have been disrespected and thrown out of the Wolves if he decided not to and he would never got what he wished for. He would be hunted down by the Wolves and killed if he shot Navarre, Borachio or Curtis . We all have choices and nothing can prevent our choices because we have free will. At least, I hope so. I've made choices. You made choices. He made choices. She made choices. Good or bad. But remember, we're all human and this is just an opinion - flawed like everyone else's. Thank you -- Ed

My First Gang Experience

Talk about irony. I have never had an experience with gangs before the play until a couple days ago. It was a late weeknight and I was very tired, so I walked to the library, hoping that my neighbor was about to get off work so that I could possibly catch a ride home. Unfortunately he was not there so I was stuck walking home. As I left the library, this random guy walks up to me, shakes my hand, and says "What's good?" I'm a nice guy so I reply with a simple " How are you?" Then he replies with something I had never heard before: "Be easy." This whole time I'm looking out of the corner of my eye and I see these five guys staring at me hard. So I can sense when there's trouble coming and I started walking across the street, not getting far before I heard them from behind me, saying, "Ayo." I didn't know what to think so I just continued walking till I heard someone calling me again. I look back slightly, so I could see who it was and all I see are the five guys following me. Immediately fear takes me over and I begin to walking faster. Now I see these guys begin to chase me. Luckily a lot of cars were coming and I quickly ran through traffic and began sprinting down a side street, not stopping still I got near home.

The Inner Zee

I'm Zakee Conte Smith and I'm 17 years old, born on March 20, 1995. I'm a mixture of Liberian, Cherokee and Spanish from Barcelona, Spain. I'm a well organized individual and I take my work seriously. Being part of this play has been quite an experience. Working with actresses from  St. Vincent Academy  is a lot of fun and we get along with each other, creating new bonds. In this play, we get to write for the script and this time, we create the action. The thing that makes this play more amazing is that this is my senior year and this is my last chance to make a lasting impression on the alumni and the school. For the past two years, the Drama Guild has been like a second family to me and I'm going to miss every single one of them. The Drama Guild has helped me improve my skills in public speaking and in the theater. It's allowed me to branch out, meet new people, and increase my self-esteem. My trigger line is when people call me out for being me: a smart person. When they go too far, I become a person that nobody will like.

Mister Overdone

My part, Mr. Overdone, was originally Mrs. Overdone. How funny is that? I'm sure that some of the alumni can relate and sympathize with me. LET IT BE KNOWN THAT FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE SHE CAST ME SHE FINALLY SAID MR. OVERDONE INSTEAD OF MRS. OVERDONE! This play, though dealing with a very serious matter, is very funny. We are already having fun and enjoying the time we have together. Those who are coming back for the reunion are in for a treat.

Don't Pull The Trigger

Hello I'm Dakota Gibbs and I am playing the Poet as well as other minor characters. I will also be in charge of the music for the show, which I will be composing and performing on my guitar, while delivering long speeches about death, pain and trigger lines. First I want to talk about my experience in rehearsal thus far. I feel as though this play could be one of our greatest plays due to it's comedy and relatability to those who have lived, or are living, through an experience like the ones in the play. To be in a cast like this is amazing because we are all able to bring our talents and skills to this play. Our bonds together grow tighter as this is one of the last plays for the seniors in the group. However we have fun and joke around with the occasional scolding, yet we get our work done. Now I want to talk about my big speech about trigger lines. Before, I didn't have that much of one that I could detect because I have strong will and self control. However I did find my trigger line. It is people who are ignorant and arrogant in what they do and how they act. People who don't have an open mind, can't accept things, and who stereotype people. There are also radical zealots who use their spiritual text to justify what they do. They are my trigger line.

Rehearsal

Rehearsal has been going great so far. We are all working together to help make the play even more relatable to our audience. I can’t wait to see the finishing product. : )

First week of rehearsal

        Our first full week of rehearsal has just finished.  Last week we finished auditioning the girls (our actresses are from St. Vincent Academy here in Newark), and began work on the script.  We spent one day sharing what we know, or think we know, about gangs.  Some, like me, have little or no previous experience or knowledge.  We're the ones playing catch-up.  Several of the actors have direct experience via their families.  At least two cast members have lost relatives to gang shootings.  Usually, when we are doing a play, I come into rehearsal with the advantage of my theatre degrees and the simple fact that I have just lived longer than the kids.  With this production, I am in the unique position, for a director, of knowing less than other members of the company.  This time, I am definitely the student.  Anyone wanting to learn about gangs would do well to read GANG LEADER FOR A DAY, by Sudhir Venkatesh.  He was a graduate student at the University of Chicago when he made the acquaintance of a local gang leader, and with his "blessing" became privy to the inner workings of a gang.  A great read.

Welcome!!

        To begin:  acting is more than learning lines, and then, saying them at the right time.  As I say to the kids, if that’s all it took, I could pass out the scripts, and we could meet back together opening night.  The script is but the text of the play, its skeleton.  A production entails interpreting that script through the collaborative work of a director, actors and designers to give physical life to the characters, and the world of the play.  We don’t know ahead of time what that collaboration will produce.  Our unique interpretation will depend upon the sensibilities and life experience of each artist in the company.  To rehearse, therefore, is to embark upon a journey whose exact destination is unknown

        We are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Drama Guild with this show.  The Saturday, November 17th 2pm matinee will be followed by a reception for all those (women included), who have participated in the life of the Drama Guild over the past 50 years.  One of our hopes for this blog is to entice those who once called Conlin Auditorium home, to return home, so welcome to our blog.  As we begin our next 50 years (God willing), we look forward to sharing our reflections and challenges, and to reading your comments.  We hope our online dialogue will provoke and inspire those of us in rehearsal, and serve as an ongoing invitation to you, our audience, to join us for the upcoming performances of "IF I COULD, IN MY HOOD, I WOULD"…  November 15th-18th. ere to celebrate with us.

Gangs

I can't seem to see the point of gangs. Is it to show who's top boss? Who can "sag" their pants the lowest? It's stupidity like this that makes me lose faith in humanity. Even if I don't live in the worst neighborhood, just going to school, I can see guys selling drugs and probably debating on which gang they should fight next. This makes me more upset than I should be, and I'm not even associated with those poor excuses for men. It's disruptive to the society and doesn't bring anything good out of it.

In the play "If i could in the hood i would", is about people in the gangs and the struggle. This somewhat relates to my community because everyone wants respect. There also are certain places you cant be at a certain time of the day, or you will most likely be approached. This is what I heard. But I'm not really familiar with the gangs in my community, I'm usually in the house because of this. Me being in the house all day because of this makes me a little mad because this is the main reason i can't go out; because of the danger around my house. Once in a blue moon I get to go outside and hang out with friends. I usually would go to a better area like S.O Village because there is less violence there.  Sometimes i wonder why police don't try to lock down on some of killers out on the streets that live freely, while people live in fear that someone will hurt them.

We have been learning so much in drama guild such as how to act and its been teaching me how to have fun so im very thankful that im doing drama guild and i met so many people from my school and other people from other schools

Playing A Gangster?

Since I've been in the Drama Guild I have been challenged to do many things from doing  a play with a broken foot to playing a character that doesn't even speak English, but I never had to really play a part that relates so much to my community and something that I know so little about. I just hope I am able to portray this role with accuracy and I hope this turns out to be a great year! =D

Putting the Pieces Together

Today was great! We ran a few scenes and I can't wait to see the finished product. Working with everyone is really an amazing experience because there's always lots of enthusiasm and creativity throughout the room. We're also looking more deeply into the true concept of the play so we can have more emotion when acting out our roles, which is a cool idea. I'M STOKED FOR WHAT'S TO COME! (:

Drama Progress

Today went well... Even the first scene of the play looked good and it was the first go at it! :) Can't wait to work w/ the techies tomorrow!