ARVIAT - The John Arnalukjuak high school drama club ventured into the world of horror with its final production of the year in Arviat this past week.

The club performed The Monkey's Paw, marking the first time director Gord Billard's drama club has tried such a dramatic piece of work.

Herbert White (Manasie Thompson) and Mr. Sampson (Roland Troke-Barriault), right, ponder the unfolding chain of events during the John Arnalukjuak high school drama club's production of The Monkey's Paw in Arviat this past week. - photo courtesy of Gord Billard

Billard said the production went over well with both the student audience and the general public.

"We had about 60 people at our evening show," said Billard.

"There was a talent show at the community hall during the same evening, so that probably took a few people away from our show.

"But the crowd we had was truly a nice audience.

"Everyone at the show was appreciative, attentive and receptive."

Billard said a number of people told him they were impressed by how well the students handled the drama and the English of the show.

William Jacobs wrote the short story in 1902, with the play being penned by Louis N. Parker.

"The language was more than 100 years old, so there were some challenging turns of phrase, vocabulary and expressions the kids had to work a fair bit on to get their tongues around it all.

"They really pulled it off quite well.

"They never missed a line and everything was crystal clear, so the audience could tell they really put a lot of time into the production."

The cast included Daniel Alagalak (Sgt. Maj. Morris), Riley Troke-Barriault (Mr. White), Rhea Gavin (Mrs. White), Manasie Thompson (Herbert White) and Roland Troke-Barriault (Mr. Sampson).

Billard said the actors really got the message across to the audience that some things in life are better left alone.

"The family wished for 200 pounds to pay the mortgage on their house using the Monkey's Paw, which was the amount of money they received from the electrical company when their oldest son was killed on the job.

"Fate rules people's lives and those who defy it do so at their sorrow.

"That's what Sgt. Maj. Morris told the White family in trying to tell them not to be fooling around with the paw and destiny itself.

"Unfortunately, they didn't heed his advice."

Billard said the youth enjoyed being in the play.

He said the five actors and the backstage crew helped each other to succeed.

"Once the play starts I become an audience member.

"The kids ran the whole production from the lights to the special effects.

"Jeff van den Scott did the music and provided the special sounds of the wind, rain and thunder.

"It was a tight show and a nice way to bring the curtain down on our year."