(Courtesy of Kinneret Shakespeare Society) This past week, Kinneret Day School students, parents, staff, friends and family were treated to an outstanding production of William Shakespeare’s classic comedy “Twelfth Night.” All the company’s hard work paid off in two performances that were truly worthy of a Tony nomination.
Directed by Assistant Principal Allyson Israel and Akiva “Kopl” Hirsch, the Kinneret Shakespeare Society (KSS) consists of third through eighth grade students who have devoted time to learn about the enchantment of classic theater. The script, adapted by Israel, consists of much of Shakespeare’s original text, with narrators added to explain the more difficult parts to the modern audience.
Kinneret thespians were involved at every stage of production—from designing and choosing costumes, creating props, designing and painting sets, creating special lighting and sound effects and stage makeup, to helping to create a playbill. Since its inception five years ago, KSS has grown from a group of seven actors to close to 30 cast and crew members. The group has fostered a collaborative team of divergent ages who worked together to create an authentic theater experience.
The enthusiastic cast and crew spent several months exploring characters, rehearsing lines and learning blocking, stage fighting, dueling and choreography. We had a wonderful team of parent volunteers as Tracie Toam headed the set design and painting while Ester Bezborodko did the stage makeup. A true spirit of teamwork pervaded the production.
KSS had a dress rehearsal performed for the school, as wide-eyed classmates watched in awe and supported their thespian classmates. The next evening, the doors were opened to friends and family, culminating with a standing ovation for the amazing troupe. Israel said: “The physical comedy is difficult work, but the troupe quickly learned to use their bodies to add humor to the story. The use of costumes to enhance the mix-up of the twins in the story further added to the hilarity.”
The Society plans to perform another new show next year, and further grow their joy in the world of theater.
