Land Neudecker stands victorious after defeating his opponent (Sawyer Hessler) in the gladiator ring. The performance was a representation of ancient Rome, when Julius Caesar ruled and gladiator rings were a form of entertainment.
Before the show began, Ovando School hosted its kindergarten graduation. Pictured (L-R) William Applegate, Chloe Sharp, Mabel Hessler and Alex Lapka were the graduates this year.
Abby DeRonnebeck (left) and Kyle DeRonnebeck (right) carry Cleopatra (Loryn Neudecker, Center) across the stage for the Egypt section of the performance.
Dressed up as characters from the popular TV show "The Flintstones," a group of Ovando students run forward with a prop of an ancient car. The performance was a representation of the stone age and the ancient civilization of Mesopotamia. The light bulb represented the innovation of the wheel.
Abby DeRonnebeck keeps up the rhythm on the drums for the African section of the show.
Sporting a toga, Maggie Applegate represents the birth of theater in ancient Greece, with William Applegate serving as her light bulb for ideas.
OVANDO - From the Stone Age to Rome's era of rule, Ovando School students showcased a journey through ancient civilizations for the annual May Day Tea on May 19. The event was written and performed by 19 Ovando students who danced, acted and played music from seven different civilizations: Mesopotamia, Africa, Egypt, Rome, Greece, India and China.
Andrea Tougas, Ovando School's supervising teacher, said the show was based on the students' social studies curriculum and incorporated musical instruments they've learned to play throughout the year. For each civilization, a student's poem was shared.
"They wrote the script I read, dreamed up and designed each skit, found music and contributed ideas that Ms. Angela Williams [clothes designer] was then able to bring to life," Tougas said.
While May Day Tea usually includes some instrumental component, Tougas said students got a chance to expand on their musical abilities with the guidance of Matthew Nord, the owner of Tangled Tunes in Missoula. Nord worked with the students all year, teaching them how to play the ukulele, xylophones and drums.
The event kicked off with kindergarten graduation, followed by a drumming circle led by Nord. The student sang "Funga Alafia," a greeting song used throughout West Africa that translates to "We welcome you" in the United States. They then took the audience on a trip through time, starting with Mesopotamia in a performance reminiscent of the famous cartoon "The Flintstones."
As the event progressed, the costumes and settings changed from drum circles in Africa to gladiator rings in Ancient Rome. The show ended with a musical performance led by Nord, with students of all ages playing the drums, ukulele and xylophones.
Tougas said she's proud of what the students have accomplished, despite the challenges of putting on the production.
"Every year they're like, 'We're not gonna do it. We're not gonna pull it off,'" Tougas said. "They exceed our expectations and put so much effort and so much love into it."
Reader Comments(0)