Hyla grads often talk about the game of gaga ball as a metaphor for Hyla, friendship, and even life. But this year the gaga pit itself is a shining metaphor for creative possibility in the face of hardship. Shakespeare is never a light undertaking with 6^th graders, but add a pandemic, masks, and countless protocols and you have quite a challenge. But Chris knows that what it takes to perform Shakespeare in 6^th grade – trust, responsibility, and courage – is exactly what it takes to keep tradition alive during COVID. And so, thanks to resourcefulness, determination, and practice, practice, practice, the Hyla class of 2023 will perform AMidsummer Night’s Dream this weekend in the gaga pit, our “theater in the round.” 

Performing Shakespeare outside harkens back to the open stage common in Elizabethan times and requires the actors to practice enunciation, vocal projection, and movement in different ways, all while staying in character. This weekend they will perform in a woodland scene beautifully set by whimsical paintings on the gaga pit panels, thanks to a team of volunteer parents who worked with Chris to support his vision and brought their own artistry to the production. All parents and guests complete the scene as the audience, an essential role in the production; we thank you for bringing your enthusiastic attendance so that students can share their hard work with you. We are thrilled that our 6^th graders can continue this Hyla tradition that has been a rite of passage for more than 25 years. We look forward to fairy mischief in the forest this weekend!