One-Act Play contest begins Jan. 27
The Park Rapids Area High School cast and crew includes, front row, from left, Madysen Sanders, Amber Schroeder, Olivia Wallace, Emily Kjenaas, Tori Campbell, Anika Campbell, Samantha Stewart, Paige Leeseberg, Greta May. Middle row: Jacob Berg, Jimmy Utke, Tanner Stromback, Peter Van Batavia, Coral Johnson. Back row: Jon Warner, Evan Booge, Nick Canfield, Daniel Neubauer, Devin Cordahl. Not pictured: Kole Gieseke. (Shannon Geisen/Enterprise)The Minnesota State High School League 24A Sub-section One-Act Play Competition is Saturday, Jan. 27 in the Park Rapids Area High School (PRAHS) auditorium.
The first play begins at 10 a.m. Doors open at 9:30 am. The entire day of five one-act plays is free to the public. The five high schools involved are Park Rapids, Nevis, Verndale, Menahga and Frazee. First- and second-place winners advance to the Section 6A contest, which will also be held in Park Rapids on Saturday, Feb. 3.
PRAHS holds the state record for taking one acts to state competition.
Park Rapids is performing "Journey to the World's Edge: A Tale in the Irish Tradition." It was written by Harry Michael Bagdasian and Ernest Joselovitz. Steeped in Irish culture and legends, the play about Brigid Shawn O'Grady's journey toward self-esteem and courage. Young Brigid of long-ago County Clare in Ireland, just wants to be normal. She cannot leave her house without being shunned and mocked by everyone in her village for the misshapen foot she'd been born with. She is kept isolated by her parents until, one day, she sets off to ask the help of the legendary Sea Mither. This powerful spirit gives Brigid a magical Bard's Rod to point her way to the well at the world's edge where Brigid will find a sage who will answer her plea. But getting there will not be easy. Along the journey, Brigid must pass three tests—one of her heart, one of her mind, and one of her courage. She meets talking animals, fanciful creatures, and a dangerous bog serpent that all challenge her to question what it means to be different.
"Journey to the World's Edge" is directed by Juliann Kjenaas. Technical Directors are Victoria Harju and Jamie Jokela, with costumes by Faith Kern. Jonathan Harrison serves as technical consultant.