An adaptation of a children’s story originally written by Oscar Wilde will be performed at Barrhead Composite High School (BCHS) by the junior high drama club this week.
Two performances of “Boid and Oskar” will be staged at the BCHS drama theatre on Wednesday, April 24 and Friday, April 26. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and admission is by donation.
“Boid and Oskar” is a 2001 adaptation by American playwright Elizabeth Wong of the short story “The Happy Prince,” which was originally published as part of the collection “The Happy Prince and Other Tales” in 1888.
“The Happy Prince” is a highly symbolic work about a golden statue of the same name, as well as the swallow that performs good deeds in his name. In essence, the story is about the joy that comes from selflessness and compassion.
In Wong’s adaptation, the statue of the “Happy Prince” becomes a 1956 SR2 Corvette convertible, and in addition to the themes of sacrifice and generosity, it also comments on capitalism and the superficiality of materialism.
It’s a bit of an odd choice for a junior high drama club production, although teacher/director Elizabeth Sutherland says the kids can certainly grasp some of the adult themes.
The junior high drama club at BCHS has been around for well over a decade; Sutherland noted this is her 13th or 14th production with the club. Some of the actors are first-timers, while others have been in multiple productions.
“It’s pretty hecking dope,” noted Raymond Gordon, who is taking the stage for the third time.
Rehearsals for the play have been going on since January. That lengthy preparation time was necessary as “Boid and Oskar” is challenging to stage from a technical perspective, requiring a lot of prop and backdrop changes throughout its 45-minute run time.
“It’s under 40 if things are going well,” Sutherland joked.
Sutherland said she wanted to thank the cast for toughing it out, adding, “I know it’s a lot of work and they really do try their best.”
