For their end of the school year dramatic arts program on Thursday, the students staged two plays for the island’s senior citizens: Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and Alan Haehnel’s short comedy, “Homework Eats Dog.”
The kindergarten to third grade students starred in The Bard’s timeless story of magic mischief and the trials and tribulations of love.
For their part, the fourth to eighth graders portrayed the characters in “Homework Eats Dog,” which is about the students of an unforgiving science teacher. Facing the deadline for their assignments, the students come up with one ridiculous excuse after another.
The manamko’ said they enjoyed this year’s performances. They also expressed appreciation for the young students’ ability to immerse themselves in the roles they play.
Aside from doing a marvelous job of memorizing lines, the young actors and actresses of Whispering Palms are improving each year, some of the senior citizens told this reporter.
WPS principal Tom Weindl said it was their 22nd annual offering to the island’s manamko’.
Producing plays, he said, helps develop the children’s comprehension, among other, skills.
But what is most important, he added, is the children’s show of respect to the elders of this island, and the school’s reaffirmation of its commitment to give back to the community.
