Inspired by the 'Dark Side'

Before I get too many worried responses, no I'm not turning away from the faith! I have been inspired, however, by my current class of very talented drama students. Their upcoming show is called 'DRAMA NOIR - A Darker Side of Light'. It is a compilation of plays written and produced solely by the students, an amazing ensemble of nine females and nine males between the ages of 15 - 17. I wanted to give them as much autonomy as possible in putting a show together since they are possibly one of the most talented and self motivated groups I've ever had the pleasure to teach. They didn't disappoint me.

As it turned out, many of the pieces they wrote had a rather dark bent. Some are definitely comedic, although dark comedy would be the word, while others are quite dramatic - even poignant. The topics are certainly relevant to current teenage culture. Parental relationships, the downside of the technological revolution, materialism, sexual confusion, the occult ... not typical fare for a light-hearted evening of entertainment, but all dealt with in a very mature and thoughtful manner. (Well, except for a couple of pieces that are just down right funny in an oddly macabre way!) It makes for a nice mix, though and should be quite entertaining.

To say that I am proud is a bit of an understatement. One of the things I love most about teaching is when you know you have made a real difference in the life of a young person. I'm fortunate to have had a number of these moments, especially because of my work in Drama. Theatre Arts is one of the best ways I know to boost a person's sense of worth and accomplishment. This time, however, I can truly say that I am being inspired by these young people. 

I'll be posting photos next week once the show is over and I've had time to catch my breath. In the mean time, think of someone who has inspired you lately. Perhaps its a person that you set out to help, but they ended up helping you instead. Inspiration can come  in many forms. Even in the form of a group of teens.