Performing Arts Department
Past Performances
2004-2005
Middle School Performing Arts The Jungle Book
From the Director. . .
"As the creeper that girdles the tree-trunk,
the law runneth forward and back
For the strength of the Pack is the Wolf,
and the strength of the Wolf is the Pack"
-Rudyard Kipling
The central theme of Middle School Drama is ensemble. More important than any skill one may possess is his or her understanding of the individual¹s role in a group. For as Kipling states in his laws of the jungle, our talents make a group stronger. Conversely, it is the group¹s responsibility to support you and help you grow stronger. It is this sense of mutual responsibility and awareness that makes ensemble work so important.
What makes The Jungle Book so appealing as a performance piece are the challenges it provides the ensemble. First is the individual challenge of playing more than one role. The play also encourages the cast to be creative with the creation of the stage. There is no scenery to hide behind because they are it. At no point does a cast member of this cast leave the stage. There is no time to change costume, grab a prop, or switch scenes. They have to know more than their own roles. They have to know what everyone is doing onstage. Otherwise, they could end up dropping something much more important than their lines.
In talking about the concept for the play with cast and colleagues, I refer to what you see as "theater of the obvious." No bells. No whistles. Just a collection of dedicated performers with a great story to tell.
What else does an actor need besides two planks (or a jungle gym) and a passion?
D. Chapman
October 21 & 22, 2004
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