Filmmaker George A. Romero set the template for zombie films in 1968 with the production of The Night of the Living Dead. A revision of this movie and a play followed. The play is about a disparate group of individuals who take refuge in an abandoned house when corpses begin to leave the nearby graveyard in search of fresh human bodies to devour. It is said that Romero took inspiration from the racial and political strife of late-‘60s America. The play also reflects what is happening today with parallel aspects of sexism and racism. However, it provides a sense that the zombie apocalypse, such as our current pandemic, isn’t the end but a chance for a new beginning.
The Henry High Drama Club production of the play will be on November 18, 19 and 20, Thursday through Saturday at 7 p.m. at the beautiful restored Henry High Theater, 4320 Newton Ave. The Director and Technical Director is Christopher Michael, and the Producer and Drama Club Advisor is Kaytie Kamphoff. Cost is $5 at the door. Masks required.
I have had phone conversations with five of the Henry High actors and their director. A full copy of our visits is located at henry.mpls.k12.mn.us. You will note that their observations and expressions are reflective of many of us regarding the emotional and social consequences of COVID-19 isolation and the transition of coming out of “lockdown.” I found especially poignant the significance of returning to the Henry High setting and the importance of being part of the Drama Club, a space to belong, and as one student said, “a return to who I was.” (My questions below are in italics).
Naskot Makonnen, a junior at Henry, plays the main role of Ben, the principal protagonist of Night of the Living Dead. “During the COVID onset, I had a lot of time to reflect on myself and that’s when I had the realization that I wanted to be working with movies as a career. So, I tried auditioning for a part.” This is the first time Naskot has been in a play as an actor. Me: Why would people want to come to this play? “The casting is diverse. There is a lot of comedy. It is relevant to our times even though it is set in the ‘60s era.”
Noah Garcia plays the role of Tom. Noah describes the play as “very campy, satirical, a running show with all characters typical of the 1960s, crazy, who don’t use common sense.”
Me: You are new to Henry. Tell me about your previous schooling and what brought you to Henry. “I was homeschooled and attended Wayzata High while living in Plymouth. My family moved to Camden recently. My mother selected Henry High for me as we found the staff so welcoming and accommodating, a better fit.” Noah found the COVID isolation very hard and he lost motivation of his many prior interests. “The drama club is a transition to renewed interaction with others,” states Noah. “The Henry Drama Club is like my family now and I’m super grateful to have them in my life. I am grateful to have decided to join.”
Jace Cruz fills the role of Harry, presented as an antagonist. He is a sophomore at Henry High.
Me: You moved in the middle of the pandemic. What was that like? “It was hard because during COVID we were moving from Texas to Minneapolis. I didn’t know a single person, so all I did was take classes on my computer and make some friends on-line.” Me: What do you like about this play and who should come? “I love how funny and realistic our characters can be. This play is slapstick comedy. Everyone plays their part well. The actors were selected well for their parts. I recommend this play for ages 13 and above.”
Emily Tucker stars as Helen, one of several people who attempt to survive the zombie apocalypse in a remote farmhouse. Emily was a member of the Henry Drama Club preparing to present the play Anon(ymous) in 2019 when on March 19, due to COVID19, all activities were cancelled and the school closed. Emily says: “We were prepared to present in a week. I was honestly devastated.” Me: What do you like about being in this group? “During the pandemic we were isolated pretty much, now we express ourselves with others. This is one of the best times of my life. Finally, I am feeling like myself.”
John Clifton is the chief, leader of a posse sent to kill the zombies roaming the Pennsylvania countryside. Me: How has COVID affected you? “The COVID has affected me by helping me appreciate things I took for granted. This has been a slow process, returning to acting and band. The COVID time has helped me grow as a person. I am pretty much shy and acting helps me, pushes me out of my comfort zone in a healthy way.” Me: What do you think of The Night of the Living Dead? “I find this play hilarious. Being that it is about zombies, it fits around this Halloween season. There’s a lot of talented people I get to work with, it’s kind of a blessing.”
Christopher Michael, director and technical director of The Night of the Living Dead, Henry High Theatre Instructor. Me: How do you consider this play relevant to today and why did you pick it? “Zombies never go out of fashion. A population dealing with disease and trying to survive. We selected a comedy because Henry is focusing on joy.” Me: How has the Henry Drama Club, the play and its production affected you personally? “When I was a kid and saw this movie the first time, I was horrified, and it gave me nightmares. Now when I see the movie today, the kids are laughing and to them it is very campy, a little bit cheesy. The students are so into horror because it resonates with what is happening in real life. Coming back figuratively from the dead, seeing the kids be excited and be developing new relationships and finding their place in school is one of the most rewarding and fantastic experiences in my life.”