It’s all about You
Winston Churchill presenting ‘Second Person Narrative’ at U of L
Of the three primary points of view in literature, second-person, is the most rare.
Second-person POV involves a conversational tone in which the author speaks directly to the reader, using “you” as opposed to “I” or “he/she/they.” When done properly, the effect draws the reader in as an active participant in the story.
The POV is a thematic element in the Winston Churchill High School fall drama production “Second Person Narrative” by Jemma Kennedy.
The main character is named “You.” The audience sees You being born, grow up, grow old and die. They watch the struggle as You strives to forge her own identity and attempt to choose her own destiny.
The production features 21 actors playing 150 characters and is performed “in the round,” meaning the audience will be seated in a circle around the stage. There are 31 scenes and 150 props.
“It’s a very unique show,” said director and teacher Greg Wolcott.
“All of these kids give up their time,” Wolcott said, noting the students rehearse every day and are not receiving credits for their effort.
“This is something they love to do,” he said. “We have worked really hard on this show.”
Wolcott said the format of the stage creates a number of challenges for students, including changing conventional thinking on facing and movement.
“You have to be moving,” he said. “You don’t want people looking at backsides for too long. It’s also a very small space, so there is a challenge to it. None of these kids have any experience with this.”
Whether they know it or not, the students are learning valuable life skills by challenging themselves with theatre. Primary among those skills is confidence, says Wolcott.
“I work four years with the kids from Grade 9 to Grade 12, and it’s amazing with some of the kids who come in to Grade 9 — the growth they get through drama and theatre, by the time they finish Grade 12 is quite unbelievable.
“It’s a real confidence-builder for kids who maybe don’t do other things, and just want to release their creative energies and talents. I think theatre is a terrific way to do it.”
Wolcott promises a unique experience for the audience as well.
“My guess is the vast majority of the audience have never seen theatre-in-theround in a small, intimate space,” he said. “There are times when the audience will literally be a metre away from some of the actors.”
There is very limited seating so the school is offering two shows a night. It runs today through Saturday at the University of Lethbridge Educational Drama Studio W422. Show times are 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. A Friday matinee will be held at 2:30 p.m.
Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 students and seniors for the evening shows.
All tickets for the Friday matinee are $5. Advance tickets are available online through the school webpage (school cash online/items) or at the door during the day of performance (depending on availability).
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