The Blackfoot Phantom of the Opera extravaganza

Times Contributor

 

The well known love story and musical, The Phantom of the Opera was re-created by the Siksika Nation High School performing arts junior and senior high program, interpreted and told from a Blackfoot perspective.  While the original Phantom of the Opera focuses a lot on the singing and music performing arts elements, the students utilized dance, movement, and through special choreography integrated some traditional dance styles from a First Nation perspective. The performance was intertwined with various styles of western dance, which included a Waltz, Modern interpretive dance, and Ballet.  

The cast worked very closely with the director, choreographer, and stage manager (also the SNHS performing arts teacher) Miss Andrea Fox through rehearsals that occurred both during and after school hours.  

With the intention not to duplicate the original story, the cast became deeply involved in how they would change several parts of the story in order to express their creative input from a Blackfoot and artistic perspective.  They felt it was necessary for the Phantom to overcome his loneliness, desire to belong, and most of all, to be loved; they were unified in having The Phantom end up with Christine, whom he longed for. 

First time performer, Lead Blackfoot Phantom Ty Maguire a Grade 12 student, said “the role gave me the confidence I needed to really play the part, I am coming to realize I have more potential and I will be pursuing further education at SAIT in the fall in photography.”

His counter part, a Grade 10 student Shayna Leather played Christine. For Leather it also was a good experience for her first time acting. Leather says, “I am more confident, I learned my part and worked on being more fluid in the dancing, I really enjoyed the play.”

This story created awareness of some socio-economic problems faced by many in this day and age, abuse, depression, and how despite the challenges life may bring to your life, you can still over come these challenges, and make your dreams come true.

The cast and crew are very grateful for the support they received from the SNHS staff and administration. Ms. Fox and the cast and crew give special thanks to Kathy Breaker and Roberta Olds, Marianne Black, Mel Csizmadia, Denise Low Horn, Sylvia Lopez, Jacqueline Short, Tyrone Sitting Eagle,  Jolyne Watson, Cody Wolf Child and Andre Wolf, and  the community, Siksika Media, Strathmore Times, Mary Fox coordinator for the Siksika Board of Education S.P.E.D. Program, Siksika Elders, Alvine and Spike Sr. Eagle Speaker, and the guest artists involved: Gordon Alex Fox and Shaneen Fox.