$10k thriller for theatre
Donation comes as students prepare for play based on an aboriginal story
Stewart Burnett
Northern News Services
Thursday, October 20, 2016
INUVIK
A $10,000 donation from the Inuvik Choral and Theatrical Society to East Three School's drama department means sustainability for the drama club.
Drama students and faculty gather to say "thank you" to the Inuvik Choral and Theatrical Society for its $10,000 donation. This year, the drama department's major play will be How the Raven Stole the Sun. - Stewart Burnett/NNSL photo
|
"It means that we'll be able to grow as a program," said Abe Drennan, drama teacher. "It means that we'll be able to live long and prosper. That's a pretty big chunk of money to give and we're really grateful."
Christine Zubko, one of the only members left of the ICATS group, which has ceased operation, said her organization had raised the money years before through its well-attended dinner plays. The group has been interested in donating to the school since East Three opened, originally intending to give a piano but then learning of the school's equipment needs.
Only Zubko and one other member of ICATS even knew the bank account with the money was still there, she said.
"I'm thrilled that the kids are participating in drama and theatre and getting that sort of experience with not only the performance, but everything that goes on behind the scenes, running the equipment, doing the makeup," said Zubko. "I think it's a wonderful experience for them."
Grade 10 drama club member Katelynn Crocker is excited for the opportunities this year.
"I used to be really shy before I started drama," she admitted. "I'm definitely a lot better now."
Drennan said the donation was needed.
"It really fills the gaps," he said.
The drama program started two years ago with no budget and little equipment.
"It was a lot of beg, borrow and steal those first couple of years," he said.
Two years in, the group has managed to put on a major play each school year through commitment, community donations and ticket sales.
After Alice in Wonderland and The Wizard of Oz the past two years, East Three School will be presenting the traditional aboriginal tale How The Raven Stole The Sun.
The story, which is widespread among aboriginal groups but with different details, follows a raven turning itself into the grandson of a man who controls the sun, who then goes on to release it.
"I thought we need to give some time to express creatively the culture of the area," said Drennan.
Crocker is looking forward to the new style of show.
"I'm really excited," she said. "It's definitely not something that we've done before. We've done really mainstream plays up to this point, but it's something original and I'm excited for it."
Should there be another drama need in town, Zubko said a couple of dollars have been left in the old ICATS bank account, and she's interested in supporting local theatre in whatever way possible.
