There will be an exploration of the unsaid taking place on stage in the Woodburn High School Auditorium during the final weekend of April.
That is the gist of how WHS sophomore Julia Carreno Hernandez, who goes by Alex, explains her pivotal role as Gabi when WHS Theatre opens its spring production of “Augusta and Noble” on Thursday, April 25. Performances will run for one weekend only: at 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday April 25, 26 and 27, and at 2 p.m. Saturday.
Alex, who a year ago was on stage as Eurydice, said that Gabi goes through some serious soul searching after starting high school at Chicago’s Northside College Prep. She begins asking questions about her heritage, including the truth about her parents’ harrowing journey across the border to the United States.
“There is a lot that is unspoken,” Alex said. “There is a renewal of memory about a lot of things people don’t want to remember.”
Alex describes those haunting Gabi in the play as “spirits who didn’t make it,” in reference to the immigration woes.
WHS Director Caleb Thurston said the play has generated a lot of genuine excitement among the troupe.
“We try to do something bi-lingual and bi-cultural each year,” Caleb said, noting that Gabi’s character goes through a tremendous transition in the process. “The family struggle is something many can understand, and we’ve had a lot of conversations with the kids, and they are really excited to tell a story that is so personal.”
The story is told in English peppered with Spanish, as Caleb noted that it celebrates the rich history and resilience of the immigrant community.
Theatre-seasoned senior Tony Pascalar is staving off senioritis by serving as the play’s assistant director. He said the experience has been rewarding.
“This has really helped me learn a lot of new things, doing a lot of brainstorming and helping (Caleb). You really have to put a lot into these shows,” said Tony, who is mulling attending either George Fox or Linfield next year.
He added that as a career goal he is seriously considering pursuing teaching theatre. But in the short term the goal is to help successfully stage this contemporary play by Carlos Murillo as it takes audiences on a journey into the vibrant Latino community in the West Town neighborhood of Chicago.
Caleb said the cast and crew involves more than thirty students from across campus. In addition to Alex, it features Danny Hernandez as El Coyote and Angelica Mayorga Lopez as La Mujer Azul.
“This play has really connected with our students who see themselves in Gabi’s story of searching for her identity,” Caleb said. “It is told in such a beautiful way using magical realism to hopefully honor these families and their stories.”
The family-friendly production will run about 90 minutes. Tickets are $8 for general admission and can be obtained from the box office starting thirty minutes before each performance. For information or for seating reservations, contact Caleb at cthurston@woodburnsd.org; 503-980-6275.
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