Get ready for the first OCSA mainstage of 2024! The curtain will soon rise on the play adaptation for a renowned dystopian novel – Fahrenheit 451! Tickets are $10 on MySchoolBucks and opening night is on Thursday, February 8 in the OPAC Theater from 6:30pm to 9:30pm. The second showing is Friday night, same time, same place.
If three hours of sitting in one place is a concern, no worries! The play is two acts and there will be an intermission between acts one and two.
Fahrenheit 451 is a novel by Ray Bradbury set in the future in an unnamed city in the U.S. The main protagonist is Guy Montag, a fireman who doesn’t put out fires but starts them to burn books. In this world books are considered dangerous because they contain knowledge that can cause people to think independently. The book, and the play adaptation, contain mature content and explicit language.
There is a lot of work put into bringing this story to life, from the Drama students immersing themselves in their characters to the Tech students building the world that Ray Bradbury created. “The cast has worked hard to do their research on everything their character is saying, to make sure to portray the best message,” says assistant director and senior Drama major, Chanelle Burnam, “This play is a tricky one when it comes to props, but we all know our amazing tech team is always up for the challenge!”
As an assistant director, Burnam sees a different side to production. “You kind of get to be a Mr. Clegg 2.0, when the ‘big boss’ isn’t around, you’re in charge. Having that responsibility has shown me how much thought and dedication it takes to put on a play.”
After a sneak peak of the show from the most recent recital excitement has risen exponentially among students and cast members! Everyone is constantly putting in hard work and supporting each other when someone needs help with developing their character or memorization.
Recently, our nation has experienced the banning of countless books, Florida leads the nation with the most books banned. This is an echo of the society in Guy Montag’s world. Chanelle Burnam voices, “This book/play being made in the 1950’s and it slowly coming to life is scary, frustrating, and it needs to be shown that Montag’s world could be our world next unless we do something about it. I feel like putting on this play can open students’ and parents’ eyes, showing that this is a matter that needs to be handled with, before it’s too late.”
A QR code is posted all around school that leads straight to the MySchoolBuck website for purchase of tickets. Fahrenheit 451 is a compelling story that everyone should be exposed to, whether they read the novel or experience Montag’s story through another media adaptation. Burnam states, “Fahrenheit 451 is such a recognizable book, and to be able to make Bradbury’s words come to life on the stage, is such a magical experience, and you won’t want to miss it!”
