Written by: Prithvika
Edited by: Noah
The ISM’s high school play is taking a fresh turn this year with its production of The Minotaur. Unlike previous years where musicals have dominated the stage, this year’s performance will be a play – a shift that has sparked excitement and curiosity among the high schoolers. Adding to the change, Ms. Monsod has taken the director’s chair and with the play set to premiere this week, the cast and crew are working tirelessly to bring this new vision to life.
The Minotaur is a legendary Greek myth that explores the story of a half-man, half-bull creature trapped in the labyrinth—a dark and intricate maze designed by the Daedalus. As the myth unfolds, themes of sacrifice, heroism, and fate come to life. But without revealing too much, the play’s premise shows promise of engaging audiences with its emotional depth and complex characters.
When interviewing Ms. Monsod about the decision to stage a play instead of a musical this year, she highlighted the need to diversify the repertoire of the theater department. She explained that after three consecutive years of musicals, it was time to “vary the diet” and offer something different, likening the shift to choosing a “home-cooked meal” over “glitzy fast food.” She adds that this change allows for richer, deeper storytelling, focusing on developing characters tailored to the actors.
Directing a devised play like The Minotaur has been a creative challenge for Ms. Monsod, but it is one that she finds deeply rewarding. During the interview, she mentioned that “making storytelling choices, developing characters, and falling in love with them is an agonizing process but, in my opinion, [is] more enriching for the soul”. Despite some setbacks, such as limited rehearsal time and scheduling challenges, she remains positive and states, “Though we wish for another two weeks of rehearsals, we will be as ready as we can be.” With her unwavering dedication and passion, Ms. Monsod is determined to bring this unique vision to life on stage, inviting the audience to join her on this captivating journey.
Crew members are another crucial part of the production, ensuring the smooth running of the play. Nikki, who works in the projections department, stated, “Although the directors bring their own unique styles, something that always stays the same is their obvious passion for the craft.” When asked about the progress of the play, she noted the challenges such as a shorter rehearsal window compared to last year. She mentioned that “the earlier show dates meant less time to prepare and being a devised play, we were trying new things, as the script and the technical aspects can always be subject to change.”
Despite time constraints and the unpredictability of theater, Chesca, the booth stage manager, expressed pride in how far the cast and crew have come. “I’m proud of the progress we [have] made since the process started. It can all be very hectic, but theater always is,” she remarked.
Nikki also had similar thoughts. She shared, “I would say that the style and essence of The Minotaur closely resembles how last year’s IASAS Drama The Pearl was produced.” Nikki also emphasized that while the shift from a musical to a play has created a different atmosphere, it brings new levels of fascination to the performance. She assured us, “Even without the presence of singing and musical numbers, audiences will truly appreciate the story being told and, if not already a fan, develop an admiration for traditional plays.” Both crew members Chesca and Nikki acknowledged the collaborative effort needed to bring this complex, original play to life.
The cast and crew are now gearing up for the opening night which starts on Thursday, October 10th at 6 pm. If one misses that, they can catch one of the three other shows scheduled for Friday, October 11th at 6 pm; Saturday, October 12th at 2 pm; and Saturday, October 12th at 6 pm. Tickets can be bought at the cashier’s office for ₱150, for students, and ₱300 for adults.
Don’t miss the opportunity to see The Minotaur, a thought-provoking production that promises to captivate the audience and show the immense talent of the ISM’s theater department.
