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St. Luke’s American Literature Students Meet With Chicago Theatre Representatives
In Matthew Goetz’s American Literature Class, 11th grade students studied A Streetcar Named Desire and were tasked with writing their own reviews of the play. To gain insights into the theater industry, students had the opportunity to meet with members of The Chicago Theatre. Goetz shares more about the class assignment and the session with theater representatives.
Everything is intentional. Everything reflects a choice, and nothing happens by accident. These are the assumptions that students in my 11th grade American Literature Class are currently considering during their study of Tennessee Williams’ classic play A Streetcar Named Desire. Adding to their inquiry about the intentionality and constructed nature of a staged performance, students have been watching parts of the acclaimed 2014 Young Vic production, starring Gillian Anderson and Vanessa Kirby (both of The Crown fame). This updated production combines period dialog with modern clothing and music, a rotating stage, and barren light bulbs. It invites students to consider why director Benedict Andrews incorporated these artistic elements and what effect they have on the presentation of Williams’ classic text.
For their assignment, students were asked to craft a review of A Streetcar Named Desire. In their reviews, students will analyze and interpret the use of the rotating stage and two other production elements, such as the juxtaposition of modern-day costumes with period dialogue, lighting choices, musical selections, or the audience placement.
To help the students explore their questions, the class was joined by two experts from the Chicago theater scene: Sasha Gerritson and Kay Lea Schuetz. A classically trained opera performer, Gerritson has served as stage director in opera houses and on musical theater stages across the globe, including with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and at the Staatsoper in Berlin. She is currently Musical Theatre and Opera Director as well as a full-time instructor at Northeastern Illinois University. She also serves as Music Minister at the Park Ridge Community Church. Schuetz has toured internationally for dance and opera companies and served as company stage manager for Luna Negra Dance Theater of Chicago and Ballet Hispanico of New York. She was also a production manager and scenic designer for the music department at Northeastern Illinois University.
Enjoy this video clip from the students’ session with The Chicago Theatre.
Enjoy this video clip from the students’ session with The Chicago Theatre.
St. Luke’s School is a secular (non-religious), private school in New Canaan, CT for grades 5 through 12 serving over 35 towns in Connecticut and New York. Our exceptional academics and diverse co-educational community foster students’ intellectual and ethical development and prepare them for top colleges. St. Luke’s Center for Leadership builds the commitment to serve and the confidence to lead.
