The Spartan drama department is taking its show on the road in order to perform at One Eighty, an organization that supports rehabilitating prisoners and those in crisis or poverty.
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, directed by Sophia Dahm and assistant director Grace Almgren, was one of the projects that the drama department was working on during second quarter. This show is based on the C.S. Lewis book series, and the crew is performing this as a traveling show.
This means the cast will be performing at various places around the Quad Cities in addition to the high school. A performance is scheduled at a speech competition in Wapello, state and all-state competitions, and One Eighty. Theater and art, in general, is so incredibly powerful. It allows people to emotionally connect with strangers in a really deep way. — Sophia Dahm
The directors decided to bring the show to One Eighty’s group center because they believed it would be a good opportunity to give back to the community. The organization explains how the transition back into society from prison is a long and taxing process. For this reason, there are state programs and non-profit organizations dedicated to easing the transition process.
One of these organizations in the Quad City area is One Eighty, located in Davenport. This organization uses faith as a basis to help rehabilitating prisoners and others who are in crisis, poverty or struggling with addiction.
What started as one rehabilitating man’s dream and a the purchase of a $500 trailer in 2010 has turned into a thriving non-profit organization that spans a city block and employs 22 people, all of whom are dedicated to helping those who are struggling in Quad City community.
Senior Sophia Dahm believes performing here is a wonderful way to help contribute towards that rehabilitation for residents. “Theater and art, in general, is so incredibly powerful. It allows people to emotionally connect with strangers in a really deep way. ” She hopes the cast will be able to make a positive connection and impact all the people attending.
Cast member Anna Myatt is also looking forward to performing at the center. “I am so excited for the opportunity to do something that I am passionate about for a community who might not have access to live theatre.”
The cast as a whole looks forward to performing this show. Directors explain that this show is different from any other show the drama department has ever performed before. Since the show only requires a minimalistic set that makes it well-suited for travel, the scenes are mainly set through the inspired and imaginative acting done by the cast members.
With this unique show, drama students hope to bring joy to the One Eighty residents and help them to rediscover the imagination and creativity that exists in our society.
