St. Michael's play 'Inside the Bottle' funny and dramatic

'We Can Make a Difference' silhouette skit
T. Lucas photos

Toni Lucas, Pincher Creek Voice

Kindergarten to grade 8 students and staff  at St. Michael's School in Pincher Creek worked with Trickster Theatre to put on the production 'Inside the Bottle' during the afternoon of Wednesday, December 11. The students performed in 13 skits about water bottles and recycling using props like playmats, water bottles of various sizes, pool noodles, ropes, plungers, buckets, tubs, parachute material, and a crash mat. The attitude of 'The show must go on' prevailed despite the weather outside creating conflicts.

Capped water bottles on the conveyor belt

The first and last skits were two of the most visually dramatic presentations. The first was 'Our Solution' done with black lights creating a neon glowing production in the darkness, and the last was 'We Can Make a Difference' done as silhouettes on a screen.

 Some of the topics addressed in the skits included why safe drinking water is important, water issues in third world countries, the life span of plastic, what plastic can be recycled into, what happens if you don't recycle, and environmental damage that happens due to pollution. Even though the subject matter was serious there was a lot of humour throughout the entire play, which the students performed with enthusiasm.

Black light 'Our Solution' sketch

Each skit was impressive in it's own right. The school picked an overall theme, then each class brainstormed about what they would like to explore during their time on stage. That information was given to the Trickster staff before they arrive. Then the Tricksters took that information and worked with each group to develop their personal skit. Normally Trickster staff have 4 - 5 days to work with the school, but school was cancelled due to the weather for three of the days that the troupe were here . This included the day originally scheduled for the public performance.

Recycled water bottles are used for making clothes,
carpets, and lights

Kyall Rakoz and Brianna Johnston of Trickster were the only ones on their staff that were not committed elsewhere,  so they volunteered to return on Wednesday December 11 to make the play happen. "It changed the process a little bit.  Normally we have more time to play with the kids and pull their ideas," explained Rakoz. With parental help they did get through the program on the Wednesday and Thursday of the week they were in residence, December 2 - 6. Then Friday was another snow day. "It was so heartbreaking," Rakoz said.

Kyall Rakoz  and Brianna Johnson

With only the two Tricksters on hand for the performance on the 11th, they were understaffed. There is usually technical support, more props and supplies, and more of the team to rely on. "We were pulling from everywhere, and everyone." Students, staff, parents and volunteers worked to make it all happen as seamlessly as possible. "It shows how great a community this is, how willing everyone was to take from their time and pull it together. It was amazing." Rakoz explained. "Despite the cold, the welcome here has been very warm."

Sarah McClelland (front)  Jaxon Reners, Braiden May and Brianna Johnson

Upcoming
St. Michael's senior high drama class will be putting on a play called 'The Best Christmas Pageant Ever!' on Monday, December 16, and Tuesday, December 17. Tickets are available at the office,which can be reached at 403-627-3488.

Related story:  A dramatic evening with Trickster Theatre and Canyon School students
Related link:  Trickster Theater

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