SHS new drama one for the times

Adelle Ellis
Times Reporter

 

The Strathmore High School (SHS) fine arts program has a history of brilliance when it comes to creating and presenting plays, dances and musicals.
Their newest production, Hometown Glory, is no exception to the professional quality that one comes to expect of the high school theatre groups.
This touching story follows the relationship of two former best friends, Brooke and Casey, as they enter Grade 7 and undergo a series of changes, mostly negative, in their friendship, home life and experiences at school.
Without giving too much away, this serious and chilling story is full of jealousy, struggles, hurt, victimization and bullying.
The two main characters share their stories through script and through a full set list of dances choreographed to songs from the popular artist, Adele.
The 25 and 35 dance classes, which presented the show, top off the performance through many well-rehearsed dances using ribbons and aerial hoops.
Hometown Glory was created by SHS’s drama and dance teacher, Deanne Bertsch, who has been teaching and writing stories for the theatre for 15 years. Throughout her teaching career, Bertsch has helped many students overcome struggles associated with the awkward stage that is the junior and senior high age.
“There is so much bullying that goes on in our school and in other schools. Some of it is subtle where kids don’t feel like they belong somewhere,” said Bertsch. “I thought this story could be healing and helpful, and remind people to treat each other with kindness.”
Last year, Bertsch was approached by then Grade 11 student, Brooke Paiha, who told her story of being bullied in Grade 7 at Crowther by her former best friend.
“It’s incredible that I’m able to share this message with younger kids that bullying needs to stop,” said Paiha, adding that after she told Bertsch her story, she was encouraged to say everything so that this show could have the greatest impact on the audience and on the kids in the hopes that it will influence some other child and that they will choose a different path.
Casey Tucker, a past student of SHS and an amazing vocalist, had approached Bertsch last spring about creating a show to the music of Adele. Tucker, who also had a hard time while in school in regards to bullying, came back for this production to play the antagonist and sing Adele songs.
“[This show] hits home to people who have gone through [bullying] in their life, whether that be the bully or the bullied. And we all have been one at one time or another,” said Tucker.
Throughout the play’s dance routines, every dancer wore a pink shirt with holes.
“This represents the victim. Every single actor was a victim in some sort of situation,” said Bertsch. “Even Casey, the bully, was a victim in her own situation. The holes in the pink shirts represent that we all have holes in the form of hurt and pain and mess. We are all dealing with our own thing and everyone here has a story that will break your heart.”
This story may be full of jealousy and victimization, but it also tells an impactful story about being brave and treating others with kindness. It is heartbreaking, but also encouraging, powerful and heartwarming.
“I hope this will give students who are going through the same kind of thing some empowerment to stand up for themselves and be kind to each other,” said Bertsch. “It is my hope that by telling this story, someone will see themselves in it and will make a positive change in the world.”
The play will also be presented at the Alberta High School Drama Festival zones this upcoming April.