By Victoria Dolan

During the next two weeks, Hull High School Theatre Arts will continue preparing and begin performing its competition piece, “War Brides.”

Prepared for the Massachusetts Educational Theater Guild festival, “War Brides” is a 40-minute, one-act show about the experiences of women during wartime. At the competition in March, the Hull actors will present their show alongside other schools from across the state.

Co-directors Emily and Erin O’Donnell are hoping the piece will elicit a powerful performance. Part of the goal in choosing “War Brides” was to “hone in on present-day issues” by showing “strong female leads fighting for their rights – not as women, but as people during a period of war,” explained Emily.

The show features a small cast of seven to focus on authentic performance. Erin emphasized that when getting into character, actors have focused on “toned-down imagery, toned-down body language, toned-down voice,” because “it’s not about being the biggest person in the room, it’s about being one group.”

The show is also advanced on the technical side. For the competition, the crew must set up and take down the entire set in five minutes, and “this is the most complicated set we’ve ever done for festival,” said Erin.

So far, the crew has been one of the greatest successes of the production. Almost 20 students joined, giving them “an opportunity to learn even more about theatre and design,” said Emily.

Other than the female empowerment, emotional appeal, and unique set, Emily thinks “everyone should come and just be there to celebrate the accomplishments the students have put in.”

“War Brides” will be performed at Hull High School on March 1 at 7 p.m., and Marshfield High School on March 2 at 4:30 p.m. Both performances are open to the public, but the material contains mature themes not suitable for all ages. Please email eodonnell2@town.hull.ma.us with any questions.

Victoria Dolan is The Hull Times school correspondent. This column reflects her student viewpoint.

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