Project Description:
In small groups, we wrote and performed verbatim plays based on interviews about crime, punishment, and innocence. This is the second half of the XONR8 Project, an interdisciplinary project that uses biology and humanities to better understand how criminal justice works, and what happens when it doesn’t work. In this project weren't just learning history and watching plays, we were historians, playwrights, and actors, telling stories that have not been told before, and helping audiences to see the world we live in from unfamiliar perspectives.
In small groups, we wrote and performed verbatim plays based on interviews about crime, punishment, and innocence. This is the second half of the XONR8 Project, an interdisciplinary project that uses biology and humanities to better understand how criminal justice works, and what happens when it doesn’t work. In this project weren't just learning history and watching plays, we were historians, playwrights, and actors, telling stories that have not been told before, and helping audiences to see the world we live in from unfamiliar perspectives.
Process:
My group got in contact with David Garber "Dave" a Forensic Specialist at the Chula Vista Police Department. We had an excellent 45 minute interview with him on Halloween. We then transcripted the whole interview and brainstormed ideas of plays we could perform. We came up with many different ideas and decided we wanted to get the message across of how much work Forensic Specialists and their teams do. We created a script based on what David told us and acted out a play of what a day looks like in the life of a Forensic Specialist. On December 8th we performed at the Onstage Playhouse on 3rd Avenue in Chula Vista in front of our family, friends and our interviewees.
My group got in contact with David Garber "Dave" a Forensic Specialist at the Chula Vista Police Department. We had an excellent 45 minute interview with him on Halloween. We then transcripted the whole interview and brainstormed ideas of plays we could perform. We came up with many different ideas and decided we wanted to get the message across of how much work Forensic Specialists and their teams do. We created a script based on what David told us and acted out a play of what a day looks like in the life of a Forensic Specialist. On December 8th we performed at the Onstage Playhouse on 3rd Avenue in Chula Vista in front of our family, friends and our interviewees.
Reflection:
Although theatre isn't my favorite thing to do, I enjoyed the process this project took me through and the experiences I got to have because of it. I really enjoyed visiting the Old Globe in Balboa Park to watch The Royale. It was performed differently than I had ever seen a play before and showed me just how entertaining it can be when you work hard and put your heart into it. The way the actors expressions and voices echoed across the theatre really made me connect and feel the emotions of the story. That is something I noticed and wanted to bring to my play. My group was also given the phenomenal opportunity to explore the Chula Vista Police Department through Dave. I was intrigued at everything he was telling and showing us. We were hands on and got to see the way he recreates the blood spatter, we walked through the jail, how they collect fingerprints etc. I quickly dove right into finding the best possible way to represent him and his team. When we arrived at the Onstage Playhouse on the morning of exhibition I knew there was still a lot to be done. I talked to my teacher and I jumped into the position of director/ stage manager. I was the teachers voice helping my classmates perfect their plays, I knew it had to be done so quickly filled that role. I was working to be sure everything ran smoothly and correctly. I have learned many new skills during this project I will be able to carry throughout my life.
Although theatre isn't my favorite thing to do, I enjoyed the process this project took me through and the experiences I got to have because of it. I really enjoyed visiting the Old Globe in Balboa Park to watch The Royale. It was performed differently than I had ever seen a play before and showed me just how entertaining it can be when you work hard and put your heart into it. The way the actors expressions and voices echoed across the theatre really made me connect and feel the emotions of the story. That is something I noticed and wanted to bring to my play. My group was also given the phenomenal opportunity to explore the Chula Vista Police Department through Dave. I was intrigued at everything he was telling and showing us. We were hands on and got to see the way he recreates the blood spatter, we walked through the jail, how they collect fingerprints etc. I quickly dove right into finding the best possible way to represent him and his team. When we arrived at the Onstage Playhouse on the morning of exhibition I knew there was still a lot to be done. I talked to my teacher and I jumped into the position of director/ stage manager. I was the teachers voice helping my classmates perfect their plays, I knew it had to be done so quickly filled that role. I was working to be sure everything ran smoothly and correctly. I have learned many new skills during this project I will be able to carry throughout my life.