On Friday 22nd February, the second classes of our
school went to the "Don Bosco" theatre in Lecce to see a
musical in the English language, "The Canterville Ghost" -
a free adaptation of Oscar Wilde's play - interpreted by very
talented actors in a modern and easygoing way.
An
American family, "The Otis family", moves to England and
buys an ancient English castle. The owner, Lord Canterville, warns
the family that a ghost haunts the house,
as he is the ancient owner: Sir Simon de Canterville, a
nobleman of the 1500s
who killed his wife.
That’s why he
is doomed to spend the eternity within the castle until a young man
or girl with a spotless heart shed tears for a sinner.
There are curious characters such as: Mrs. Umney, the
housekeeper, terrified by the presence of the ghost; Cecil, the young
and charming Virginia’s neighbor; Virginia, the second-born
daughter of the Otis; and the twins, the youngest children, Stars
and Stripes, very patriotic names, as we can see from their names
that echo the American flag. The story ends with the deliverance of
Simon's unhappy spirit thanks to the compassion and prayers of
Virginia, a pure-hearted girl, and with her marriage to Cecil.
The show was colorful, ironic, exciting and full of
music! The actors, who played various characters on the scene, as
well as demonstrating their skills as singers and dancers, have fit
perfectly in their part, making it clear the different personality
traits of each character. In addition, the contrast between the
English and the Americans was highlighted, pointing out the different
accents, attitudes and styles.
We guys actively participated in the show, often
applauding and clapping our hands in time with the music during the
songs.
After the show the actors introduced themselves and
interacted with us guys; we asked them some questions about the show
and other more personal ones.
Maybe we guys didn't understand exactly every single
word of the show, as it was acted in the English language by English
actors, but the language of body, theatre and entertainment is
universal!
Clarissa
Stella
Joele
Paladini
IIB
IIB
