Boys' Prep proudly presents 'SaintsShrek"
Once again, the Boys’ Prep community can give themselves a hearty slap on the back and take a graceful bow for their delightful rendition of Shrek. All our performers, staff and students showed grit, determination and boundless energy, not to mention a confident and creative flair in the interpretation of their given roles.
The Boys’ Prep students, staff and parents have slowly made their way back to some kind of “normal” after what seems like eons of rehearsals and living our school days and holidays within the confines of our “swampy” Mears Hall existence. I am sure for some it may seem a bit like a blur, an illusion leaving us questioning if that enormous collective effort actually happened at all.
But happen it did, and not just a little happening; an enormous, show-stopping, standing-ovation, laugh-out-loud, gasp-in-awe, kind of a happening. Once again, the Boys’ Prep community can give themselves a hearty slap on the back and take a graceful bow for their delightful rendition of Shrek. All our performers, staff and students showed grit, determination and boundless energy, not to mention a confident and creative flair in the interpretation of their given roles. Performing for an entire week, sometimes two shows within one day to sold out audiences every night, is no mean feat. And definitely not an illusion. There was no more real a feeling than the enormous high and sense of achievement that was felt when we took our bows for the last time on Friday 19 July.
The word ‘Shrek’ is Yiddish in origin and means fear or fright. Apt words for how most of the Boys’ Prep community feel at the beginning of any Major Production project. We started the year embracing all things green and channelling our inner ogre. We imagined dank swamps, long-forgotten fairy tales and simplistic storylines of princesses and knights in shiny armour. We skirted the surface and thought that we knew it all. Nothing too deep and complicated. A performed, bedtime story with multiple make-believe characters. A role and in some cases a few roles, for every student in our school and let’s not forget the parts for our talented yet somewhat apprehensive teachers too.
As July quickly approached, this production morphed and evolved into something so much more than previously anticipated. The true-life lessons found in this delightful favourite, penned by the creative William Steig, well into his eighties at the time, crept into our hearts and taught all of us much deeper lessons about ourselves and each other. The subliminal life teachings learnt in Shrek became our outward display of behaviour, both on and off the stage. In our roles and in our real lives we embraced and celebrated our individuality and identity. After all, true happiness comes from accepting oneself, flaws and all. Even in the unlikeliest of friendships, like Shrek and Donkey, friendship matters. Friendship and loyalty combined, allow one to overcome challenges and support one another authentically to withstand any trial. Never judge a book by its cover, and always challenge stereotypes, societal expectations and prejudices by portraying dramatic characters beyond their appearances. Stand up for what you believe in, especially in the face of adversity. Stand up for what is right when confronting injustice or fighting for your loved ones. Always leave space for the outsiders to fit in. Let’s value the importance of forgiveness. The seemingly unlikely match of a princess and Ogre illustrates that love knows no boundaries and goes way beyond appearances, proving too, that love can conquer all. We found the beauty within, and we did not allow ourselves to be defined by our outward appearances and physical traits. Setting out on a noble and sometimes difficult and tiring quest, we still took time to savour the little things. On days when it felt like we were standing on a rickety bridge over a lake of molten lava, we always managed to find the humour and the fun.
Making use of Shrek’s life lessons paved the way for a wonderfully entertaining and rewarding piece of Theatre. It is without doubt, that long after the thrill and exhilaration of live performances and cheering audiences has faded, it is the memories and Shrek lessons that will remain and live on in all of us, lucky enough to have played a part in yet another Major Production.
Thank you One and All for yet another truly amazing example of a community working together to produce a fantastical piece of Theatre. An experience that will live in our memories for years to come.
