Magic Touch – a play of human issues which touched the heart

The acting or doing can apply to any mimic action, but it is most often referred to plays written for stage presentation. However, there is the ultimate assignment of the word ‘drama’ not merely to any literary work cast in dialogue form, but to a particular kind of play in which violent actions, strong passions, and bold contrasts are used to produce an often crudely thrilling effect.

The motivation of this play is undoubtedly the strong human elements it possesses, and the pleasure motif is definitely strong for both those students taking part in the sometimes profound and humorous dramatic presentations and for the audience.

At the same time, the presentation itself was associated with several human values or non-values, even making a link with religious aspects which possess a magical force.

Magic Touch and the extraordinarily talented actors demonstrated a high level of artistry and sophistication. This is certainly a fresh start for the Theatre Concentration program for a remarkable and continuous enlargement of the written drama.

The enduring power of the stage is amply shown not only by the almost innumerable contributions of the Level 4 and Level 5 students in the program, but also by the participation of a creative team originating from different paths of life, from colleges such as John Abbot, Dawson, and Concordia University, all with one common interest – theatre.

“It’s a matter of moving toward professionalism and distribution of effort,” Stephanie Pitsiladis told Courrier Laval. “Directors take up their duties and others, such as scenic artists and technicians, stage crew et al apply themselves to various theatrical tasks.”

This was the torch carried to this year’s masterpiece of vivid imagination, fantastic interpretation, and professional acting.

Magic Touch is in a class of its own with a class act. Perhaps the most noteworthy development in this sphere is the academic study of, and practice in, theatrical forms.

Student and actor Jade Gumbley stated that the most difficult aspect of the play was the set changes and speaking loudly enough even though every actor’s voice projected very well.

The sets were definitely tasteful and appealing and were changed efficiently and effortlessly. The lights and sounds were impressive in their creation of suspenseful moods and action for each scene.

All’s well that ends well – only better in this case.

Three days of successful theatrical performance has proven to be the raison d'être for the Theatre Concentration Program at Laval Liberty High School. It is no longer a subject of scholarly investigation at the school. It is here to stay. The next challenge will come in the spring, when the team of students, teachers, consultants and professional collaborators will tackle a production of South Pacific.

In the end, Magic Touch can easily be described as a play of many human issues, but one thing is for certain, those of us who saw it were touched.

Photos:Touch, Touch 1

(Photo: Martin Alarie)