What’s recently happened
On February 12, the La Lumiere drama students took the stage to present their play "The Crucible," written by Arthur Miller. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the La Lumiere drama students, also known as the La Lu Players, have been unable to present their annual winter production. However, thanks to the lessening of many of the COVID-19 restrictions, they were finally able to do so again.
While there were a multitude of plays to choose from, Director Matthew Benedict said that "The Crucible" stood out to him in regards to the message it shares.
“"The Crucible" is such an important work of literature that carries such an important message,” said Benedict. “And now in the time we are living in, the play is itself highly applicable to the present historical moment in the present day.”
"The Crucible" tells the story of the Salem, Mass. witch trials, and imparts the message on how differing ideas of justice can result in the harming of many innocent individuals.
While the play contains a very serious message, that didn’t keep the cast and crew from having fun during rehearsal. Libby Miller, a current senior at La Lumiere and cast member of the play, discussed how even with being in a play with such a serious subject matter, some of her favorite moments were the ones with laughter.
“My favorite part of doing "The Crucible" was the small moments in rehearsal where we would make a small mistake and all laugh together about it,” said Miller. “In those moments we were afraid to share joyful moments with each other even when doing a play as serious as "The Crucible."”
The play's opening night took place on the afternoon of February 12, and then continued into the next week with performances taking place on the nights of February 15, 16, and 18.
Throughout the week of performances many members of the community were in attendance, with family, friends, students, and teachers coming out to support the drama students. The play proved to be a great success, with overwhelming support from the community.
What’s coming up
Over spring break, two groups of La Lumiere students will have the opportunity of a lifetime traveling overseas to two very different countries.
Over the last few years, the COVID-19 pandemic has made it impossible for study abroad trips to happen for the students at La Lumiere, but similar to the return of the winter drama performances, the easing restriction once again made it possible for international travel to happen.
Andrew Hoyt, assistant head of school and academic dean, is taking a group of students to visit Ireland, where they will have the chance to explore the rich history and culture of the Irish, as well as exploring some of its most beautiful landscapes.
David Church, assistant head of school for student life, will be taking a different group of students with him to Costa Rica, where the students will have the chance to see some of the beautiful sights there, but will also have the chance to explore the rainforests and learn about the ecosystems as well.
The two trips filled up quite quickly after their original reveal, with students eager to take the opportunity to see the world after so many years with the inability to do so thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Staff spotlight
Matthew Benedict, the director of the drama program as well as an English teacher, has been working at La Lumiere for the past four years. Initially having been drawn to La Lumiere by the teaching philosophy and environment of the school, he quickly found himself in charge of the drama program. While there have been challenges during his time as director, he has found that it is all worth it in the end.
“What makes working on our drama productions so special is the opportunity for me to work with exceptionally talented young people,” said Benedict. “The students in this program are so incredibly thoughtful and forward-thinking in the performances they put on which makes my job so incredible.”
In fact, many of Benedict's favorite memories have come from moments shared with his drama students, whether it be an idea they are sharing with him or a moment of laughter at something in rehearsal.
Being a part of the drama program at La Lumiere has allowed Benedict the chance to discover the arts at La Lumiere and to understand what makes them so special.
“Our arts programs affect the values our school holds in high regard,” said Benedict. “That just makes what we do so much more special.”
Student spotlight
Miriam Powell is a current junior at La Lumiere, and has quickly found her voice within the La Lumiere community despite being new to the school.
Powell initially heard about La Lumiere from many family members and friends that had attended La Lumiere in the past, and had nothing but good things to say about it. She quickly came to understand the reason when she was welcomed in August by the La Lumiere community.
“I love the culture here and the community attached with it,” said Powell. “It truly is something very unique and makes all moments at La Lumiere as special as they are.”
Powell found her place in more ways than one at La Lumiere, but she has especially found her spotlight in the theatre program. Having participated in both the fall and winter theatre productions, she has found that she is given a chance to decide the way her characters on the stage are portrayed.
Powell has certainly proved to be a valuable member of the La Lu Players, as well as the arts program taking the stage to share her talents with the community, and encouraging others around her to do so as well, proving to be a truly special light at La Lumiere.