Today, the theater department’s One-Act Play is advancing to Bi-District after placing second in District with their dystopian twist on the Greek classic and the last chapter of Oedipus: Antigone. The cast will travel to Mesquite Poteet High School to compete with five other schools for the chance to advance to state competition. 

I believe we all [have] shared tears of joy,” senior Morgan Haferkamp said. “Having been with this cast for years, I’m really excited that I got to advance with them before [the seniors] graduated.”

With his three years of experience in the One-Act play, Hafercamp was honorably mentioned for his role as Haemon in the district competition. The memories Haferkamp and many of the other cast members have shared as they work hard to prepare for the bi-district competition today.

“[After the district competition, we started] to do more with the chorus and explore more relationships [between] the characters,” Haferkamp said.

In the past three years, Joshua placed fourth for the UIL One-Act play and stood as the alternate for bi-district. However this year has been a boost for the cast’s morale because they advanced for their strong work ethic and dedication to telling the story of Antigone.

“My favorite [scene] is when I’m being interrogated by my conscience,” sophomore Kennedi Boren said, “aka the scene where I’m being held down by the chorus. It’s always so fun playing Antigone.”

Kennedi Boren was individually recognized for her performance as the character Antigone by the judges. Boren is a dedicated actress who has taken several professional auditions for Hollywood cinema and has been the leading role for two consecutive years. 

“My favorite part about the play is where Aggleos, [as played by freshman Jewell Bullard] says ‘Antigone has hung herself,”’ junior Bryce Henson said. [It’s] because I can make the wash and [the backdrop] all red, and it’s a very emotional part.”

Although Henson only just picked up the role of lighting technician this year, his skill behind the scenes has grown exponentially. Throughout the 40 minute duration period allowed for the cast to run the show, Henson is focused to catch his cues and change the lights to express the mood or spotlight characters in the scene. He has been hard at work in preparation for today’s performance.  

“I think our next performance is gonna be our best show,” Haferkamp said. “We’ve put in a lot of work to make it this far and we don’t want to stop just yet.”

Even though some of the cast members had doubts about performing Antigone for One-Act, the portrayal of Oedipus’s tragic last chapter and the long hours they have practiced has created a well-crafted showing of Antigone. 

“This is one of the most interesting and well written plays our team has ever performed,” Boren said. “We’re going to win today; I’m confident and ready for everything.”