Theater Ensemble is back with its Fall 2011 show, Anon(ymous) by Naomi Iizuka. Under the leadership of Director Andrea Hart and Producer Sarah Samonsky, the production will be opening the first weekend of November.
Based on Homer’s epic The Odyssey, it follows the journey of the protagonist Anon (played by senior Pia Mingkwan) as he attempts to reunite with his mother, Nemasani (sophomore Christina Reyes). In the process, Anon becomes representative of all refugees who ever gave up a piece of their identity to assimilate into American culture and become anonymous.
Anon(ymous) modernizes the age-old story, integrating relevant current themes, such as the paranoia surrounding immigration.
“It’s a contemporary and fast-paced show that’s accessible to all audiences,” said Mingkwan.
Odyssey enthusiasts will notice countless references to the original text. Polyphemus, the Cyclops in the The Odyssey is transformed into Mr. Zyclo, a murderous butcher (senior Daniel Goldwyn), and the goddess Circe becomes the powerful bartender Serza (senior Savannah Miller).
With modern themes and characters, Anon(ymous) promises to be a provocative production.
“It has great depth of emotion. A lot of people in the school community can relate to it,” said Hart.
Adding to Anon(ymous)’s appeal are its stunning visual effects and intense physicality.
“It is a physically and visually daring piece,” said Hart.
Stage Manager Rachel Wong-Westbrooke added frankly: “It has the most technically amazing, kick-ass set ever,” she said.
The cast and crews of the show represent all grades and consists of both seasoned Theater Ensemble members and newcomers. In addition to the aforementioned cast members are seniors Chanel Tilghman, Savannah Cofield-Barner, and Rachel Ozer-Bearson, juniors Autumn Matherly, Calum Ruxton, Krystal Swan, and Frank Luna, sophomores Derrick Ford and Isaac Ozer-Bearson, and freshman Ethan Salzman, Luna Bowling, and Tabitha Hunt.
Anon(ymous) opens Thursday, Nov. 3 at 7 PM in the AHS Little Theater. Other shows are 8 PM on Friday, Nov. 4 and Saturday, Nov. 5, 7 PM on Thursday, Nov. 10, and 8 PM on Friday, Nov. 11, and Saturday, Nov. 12. Tickets are available at the door, $7 for students and seniors, $13 general admission.
