As members of the WHSAD student body embark on their first foray into the world of dramatic performance, they took in a performance of Othello at Erasmus High School. Learning the intricacies of putting on a production, students looked for elements they have been exploring for their production of the one-act version of Ian McWethy’s Last Day of School. Thank you to Erasmus High School, Mr. Marlin D. Slack, and WHSAD teachers Mrs. Silverstein and Mr. Crockford for assisting students with their own performance and set designs.
Stay tuned for the date and time announcement for WHSAD’s first ever play, and please check out the following link for more information about Erasmus’ performance of Othello:
https://newjersey.news12.com/theater-makes-big-comeback-at-erasmus-high–school
In the following narrative, Junior, Yarethzy Molina, provides her take on the performance, the relevance of Shakespeare’s work today, and what she and her peers learned and will bring back to inform their own production.
What truly defines a playwright’s creativity? Is it the power of dialogue, shaping raw emotion and depth, or the mastery of structure—balancing passion, tension, and imagination? Director Marlin D. Slack dives into the creative process by reimagining Shakespeare’s Othello for a new generation, infusing it with modern slang reflective of today’s youth. This adaptation not only captures the evolution of language but also highlights the shifting styles of storytelling in contemporary theater ,it bridges the gap between centuries, blending old-school Shakespeare with the way we actually talk today. Act 1 is where this mix really shines, as classic Elizabethan dialogue collides with modern slang. Lines like “Wrd to my dads,” “Get a grip,” and “My bad” bring a fresh, relatable energy to the play, making Shakespeare’s words feel less like a history lesson and more like real life. The result? A version of Othello that keeps its legendary drama but adds a twist—one that surprises the audience, proving that great storytelling never gets old, it just evolves.There’s no doubt that high school students performing a Shakespeare act is the perfect example of what keeping alive traditional writing is all about. While learning and developing an understanding of historical plays, they’re also able to express their creative minds.
My favorite part of the play is when the Duke of Venice, played by Adam Magwood, is brought to life in a fresh and captivating way. His creative interpretation goes beyond mere performance—it’s a full immersion into the character, making every moment feel authentic and compelling. Magwood’s portrayal isn’t just acting; it’s a powerful reflection of the evolving entertainment industry and the broader societal shifts that shape storytelling today.
Shakespeare isn’t just some old guy we read about in English class—he’s one of the most influential storytellers of all time. His stories are packed with the same themes we see in our favorite shows and movies today. Think about it, Romeo and Juliet is the ultimate love story filled with conflict and fate, while Othello dives deep into jealousy, betrayal, and the battle between truth and lies. Even though his plays were written centuries ago, they still hit home because they mirror the drama, romance, and chaos we see in modern entertainment. That’s why Shakespeare isn’t just a history lesson; he’s a storyteller who refuses to fade, proving that great writing never gets old.
Experiencing such an engaging and immersive play has undoubtedly been the highlight of the week. Not only did we get to enjoy the performance, but we also had the opportunity to dive deeper into the creative process, gaining valuable insight into the art of theater. We learned that putting on a play isn’t just about setting the stage—it’s about crafting an experience that fully transports the audience into a different world, making them feel as if they are part of the story itself. One of the most significant moments was hearing from Director Marlin D. Slack, who shared his unique approach to bringing this production to life. “I didn’t just write the script; I actually got the script from the students,” he revealed, highlighting how collaboration and team work played a key role in shaping the play. He explained that one of the biggest challenges was having students not only memorize their lines but also master the correct pronunciation of certain words in Elizabethan dialogue. For many, Shakespeare’s language can feel unfamiliar, making it difficult to deliver lines naturally. However, instead of seeing this as a setback, Slack embraced it as an opportunity to create something fresh and innovative.
By allowing students to take ownership of the script and bring their own voices into the performance, the production transformed into a dynamic blend of classic Shakespearean storytelling and modern interpretation. What could have been a roadblock instead became a driving force behind a unique adaptation—one that resonated with both the cast and the audience. Thanks to this creative process, we were able to see Shakespeare in a whole new light. Rather than being confined to old textbooks, his words took on new energy and meaning, proving that his influence on storytelling remains as powerful as ever. This play was more than just a performance; it was a testament to the timeless nature of theater and the endless possibilities that come from embracing both tradition and innovation.
Responses from students, Alyssa Diaz and Shekena Simon, follow here:
What were some memorable portions of the play? Please describe and explain.
A memorable portion of the play was the flow of the words. The way it went from modern day English as a teen to Shakespearean language. Also, how the conflict between Othello and Cassio progressed. Othello had an underlying hatred for Cassio and needed a reason to believe that Cassio wanted his wife.
A.D.
The memorable moments were the way the students brought the characters to life, especially Othello and Desdemona. You can see their connections when it was their scenes. It made me think they were actually together. It shows how well the students were trained to make their interaction feel natural to the audience .
S.S.
What are some of your thoughts about high school students performing a work of Shakespeare? Please provide details from the performance.
I think the way they all portrayed their characters fit them. Othello played his role very well and got into the character very smoothly.
A.D.
I thought the students did really well with their performance by still making the play Shakespeare but making it their own. When we interviewed the director, he explained how the script and the adaptation was inspired by how high school students interact with each other. When watching this play, you see the characters talking how high school students speak but also hear the Elizabethan English as they spoke. For example, when Iago uses demeaning descriptions about Othello, instead of using the exact word, the students directly says words as ugly , yuk, etc
S.S.
Why do you think Shakespeare is still so popular today? Consider themes from Othello and how these themes appear in our current day. Themes include but are not limited to: jealousy; deception and appearance vs. reality; love and betrayal; power and control; identity; loyalty and treachery
Othello believed that his wife Desdemona wasn’t loyal. This role plays in modern day society because in this generation people aren’t loyal in relationships. Sometimes people cheat and right away believe the stories they make in their mind instead of believing their partner.
A.D.
Shakespeare is so popular because of how unique but consistent each of his stories are . Like Romeo and Juliet , Othello also includes a tragic love story with disapproval and misunderstandings. The themes of deception and self-inflicted tragedies are common themes between Macbeth and Othello.
S.S.
As a member of WHSAD’s first ever play, what are some things you learned from the performance that you could consider when preparing for our school’s play?
Being very expressive to catch the audience’s attention. Not with just my words but my actions and how I tell the story through my face.
A.D.
After seeing the performance the big thing is making sure the actors are saying their lines comfortably. Slightly editing some phrases in the script can make the characters’ interactions more natural since it is about high school students. Hearing from the Prop team of Erasmus performance, our main set needs to be something that fits the setting of the play and can be used for every single scene. Lighting and sound can also make a big difference during the scenes which is something we should also think deeply about.
S.S.