Pius Players’ director pens original adaptation of classic novel to explore underlying messages
Southern Nebraska Register
Pius X High School in Lincoln will host its fall play Oct. 15-18: “Alice in Wonderland.”
Construction of a new performing arts center is underway at Pius X, so the “Pius Players on Tour” will bring the classic novel to the stage at North Star High School, 5801 N. 33rd St., Lincoln.
Though the story of Alice is well known from the Disney cartoon dramatization, the Pius Players will perform an adaptation written by director, Sarah Moje. She said she wrote the adaptation in hopes of revealing the true message and mastery of Lewis Carroll’s works. The decision to dramatize the script herself came from the desire to have the flexibility and moral freedom to develop the script from a point of view “that better revealed the beauty and depth of this classic story.”
She said it is not commonly known that the novel possesses a form of political satire, targeting social and institutional injustices that were rampant in Victorian England during that time. She wanted to be able to bring the story to life at a deeper level than other dramatists had done before, and provide opportunities for more characters to be developed for her students to portray.
“In theater, we are morally and ethically obligated to honor the codes and agreements of performing a script according to the production rights laid out by each publishing company,” Moje explained. “With the novel being in public domain, I had the freedom to develop a script that aligned with my vision and understanding of this classic piece of literature, while honoring the legal and ethical process of doing so.”
Performing a published work can also be expensive. With the additional rental fees to perform in another location this year, avoiding royalties was a good way to ease the financial burden of production costs. Developing literature that is designated in the public domain frees up any sort of royalties that should be paid when performing someone else’s works.
Moje’s script takes a more classical and philosophical approach than the most well known adaptation. Still filled with whimsy, creativity and curiosity, the script was written to more deeply explore the underlying messages of self-discovery, identity and hope.
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Courtesy photos
“Throughout the script, Alice is always asking questions and searching for answers to resolve her curiosity and confusion about who she is amidst the chaos of the life around her and growing up,” said senior Elizabeth Moje, who plays the role of Alice. “We can all relate to this inner struggle of discerning who we are now and who we are becoming.”
She said the message of “how do you know when you’re you” and, just as importantly, “who do you become when the world around you no longer makes sense” reminds viewers to look within for peace, understanding and wisdom, not to the world.
“Alice’s journey through Wonderland represents the journey we all are on of self-discovery, identity and self-love,” director Sarah Moje said.
The vision of the production is further elevated through a more sophisticated Victorian approach to the costumes and technical elements. All music used is classical in nature and lends to a gentler pace than traditional adaptations.
“With the help of some highly talented mothers of the cast, the costumes are sure to awaken the senses and inspire imagination and whimsy,” Sarah Moje said.
Emily Bauman serves as senior wardrobe crew chief for the production.
“It has been a challenge and a joy to lead the wardrobe crew in helping to make sure the costumes help do their part to bring this story to life,” she said. “I’m so glad my last fall play challenged us in this way to blend the creativity of this well-loved story with the vision Mrs. Moje had to elevate it beyond they typical cartoon versions.”
Pius has received a significant cost reduction through the generosity of Lincoln Public Schools to be able to perform the production on the North Star High School stage.
“Without this gracious hospitality, the past two years would not have been possible for Pius Players,” Mrs. Moje said. “However, it doesn’t lessen the amount of flexibility, focus, determination, and organization required to put the whole show together in only five rehearsals.”
She pointed out that performing the show “on tour” also means the students “get to embrace the challenges” of putting together a production of this magnitude in hallways, classrooms and storage units.
“We’ve always been grateful for the space that’s being created for our community,” said co-technical director and sound designer, Joe Butler, “but the further we get with our piles into the hallways and classrooms, the more eager we are to have a space to call our own and continue to grow performing arts at Pius.”
“Alice in Wonderland” performances at North Star High School will be Thursday, Oct.15 at 7 p.m., Friday, Oct. 16 at 8 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 17 at 7 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 18th at 1:30 p.m.
“We are excited to offer games, a photo booth, concessions and merchandise to be enjoyed before and during intermission,” Sarah Moje said.
The lobby opens one hour before the show, with the house opening 30 minutes prior to curtain.
