No adults. No rules. What could possibly go wrong?
Santa Monica High School students are trading classroom order for island chaos in the fall drama Lord of the Flies, opening tonight (Nov. 6) at the campus Humanities Center Theatre.
These rehearsal and behind-the-scenes photos offer a first look at the student-powered production, which comes complete with special-effects makeup, 3D-printed conch shells and a multilevel island set.
Director Kate Barraza with the cast of Samohi Theatre's 'Lord of the Flies.'
Asa Sheridan as Jack; Johnny Rusler as Roger in Samohi Theatre's production of 'Lord of the Flies.' Photo: Katie Daly
Rhys Ransford as Ralph; Sage Moore as Jack in Samohi Theatre's production of 'Lord of the Flies.' Photo: Katie Daly
Clyde McCommon as Piggy; Lux Auslander as Ralph in Samohi Theatre's production of 'Lord of the Flies.' Photo: Katie Daly
Jolee Duppel as Perceval in Samohi Theatre's production of Lord of the Flies. Photo: Katie Daly
Jolee Duppel as Perceval; Juliet Simon as Simon in Samohi Theatre's production of Lord of the Flies. Photo: Katie Daly
Asa Sheridan as Jack; Alex Chaiet as Maurice; Stella Harris as Bill in Samohi Theatre's production of Lord of the Flies. Photo: Katie Daly
Students rehearse for Samohi Theatre's production of Lord of the Flies. Photo: Katie Daly
Bella Gulko as Sam; Sarah Keiley as Eric in Samohi Theatre's production of Lord of The Flies. Photo: Katie Daly
But beneath the mayhem, the cast and crew of 70 students presents more than a cautionary tale about kids left in charge.
“Of course we all know the aspect of the play where kids come together and fall apart to figure things out on their own, but there’s so much more to it than that,” says junior Sage Moore, who plays Jack in the “Conch” cast.
“Real responses, different personalities, and situations that we see today are all aspects found deeper in the production.”
Adapted by Nigel Williams from William Golding’s novel, the 90-minute play follows stranded students whose attempt to build a functioning society spirals into violence and desperation.
Getting that breakdown onstage takes plenty of cooperation.
Student crews handle sound, lighting, costumes, props and more, while two alternating casts bring their own interpretations to the story.
“I love watching students tackle challenging material, dig deep into character development, and build toward those powerful emotional moments,” director Kate Barazza tells The Sun. “Seeing them fully commit to the process is one of the most rewarding parts of directing.”
Lord of The Flies is recommended for ages 12 and up; content includes violence, gore and other potentially disturbing effects.
Know Before You Go
What: Samohi Theatre’s Lord of the Flies
When: November 6 – 8, 13 – 15
Where: Humanities Center Theatre, Santa Monica High School.
Tickets: $15 for adults; $10 for students and senior 65 and older. Tickets and more information at samohitheatre.org.
Running time: 90 minutes, without intermission.
Audience advisory: Recommended for ages 12 and up. Younger patrons may attend with an accompanying adult. The production includes depictions of violence, injury, death, gore and animal sacrifice, along with fog, haze and fire effects.
Parking and accessibility: Campus parking is available, space permitting, through the entrance at 600 Olympic Blvd. Additional parking is available in the Civic Center lot.
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