White blank page brings to life struggles of World War I

Times Reporter

 

Though World War I has never been forgotten, more often people speak of World War II. Students at Strathmore High School (SHS) have been practicing since January for their upcoming performance ‘White Blank Page’ which begins on April 30. 

“There are a lot of veterans in this area and I think it’s kind of unique for other kids our age and the whole community to kind of come and actually have an emotional connection to what happened. A lot of people think of World War II and this is World War I oriented,” said Julie Sorensen, who plays main character Amy.

“It was inspired by the music (Mumford and Sons). Originally we had a lady from Rosebud write a general script and then we kind of changed it with student ideas. We kept the same characters but changed it so it focuses more around Amy and David and the mess of humanity, and the mess of their relationship and what happens due to war.”

Sorensen said she thinks it will end up being a tearjerker for many in attendance, and she feels it’s important for someone to be emotionally moved by a performance such as this.

There will be a live band playing all of the songs and Rosebud actor Aaron Krogman is primarily the lead vocal singer. Krogman is also lending a helping hand where needed.  

“I’ve done a few shows here at Strathmore High School now, but in different capacities. Sometimes I do sounds, lots of it is coaching the kids in whatever they’re doing, just giving them feedback in what I see,” said Krogman. 

Krogman has been helping with the video, and with writing the letters. Between some of the songs there are letters read that have been written by different characters. Important information is revealed through the letters and then shown through the dance. 

The production has been almost completely put together by the students, something Krogman thinks adds to it.

“There’s lots of value in picking a piece that’s been written and work shopped and just working it up, I think that’s really cool,” said Krogman.

“Beauty and the Beast for example, it’s well known…and the students get to attempt something that’s established. With something like this, you get to build it from the ground up and they get to speak into it in a different kind of way.”

The production runs twice nightly with shows at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. on April 30, May 1 and May 2. Tickets are $10 at the door, and half price for seniors.