Denver School of the Arts Seniors Bring Shakespeare to Life at DPS Festival
The essence of Shakespearean drama transcends time, resonating even in 2024, as evidenced by the vibrant performances of Denver School of the Arts (DSA) seniors at the 40th annual Denver Public Schools Shakespeare Festival. Chase Mackay, a senior student actor at DSA, passionately advocates for the enduring relevance of the Bard.
“Shakespeare was the original rapper – the O.G. Kendrick Lamar,” Mackay asserts, drawing parallels between Shakespeare’s mastery of language and modern-day hip-hop. He, along with his beatboxing counterpart Tristan Regini, captivated the audience with their contemporary twist on Shakespearean verse, setting the stage for a dynamic celebration of the playwright’s legacy.
Joined by their peers Hazel Kachline as Queen Elizabeth and Sam Charney as the Court Jester, Mackay and Regini showcased their theatrical prowess, embodying the spirit of Shakespeare in a performance that seamlessly blended tradition with innovation.
For Mackay and Regini, veterans of the DPS Shakespeare Festival since kindergarten, the event holds profound significance. Reflecting on his journey, Mackay acknowledges the transformative impact of participating in the festival throughout high school. “It’s been just so much fun to collaborate with all these artists in the Denver area and recite Shakespeare,” he shares, highlighting the sense of community and creative camaraderie fostered by the festival.
Regini, whose acting talents have graced both local and national stages, credits the festival with deepening his appreciation for Shakespearean literature. “Shakespeare was definitely my favorite unit in sixth grade,” he reminisces, emphasizing the invaluable insights gained from dissecting the Bard’s intricate language.
The festival serves as a platform for students from diverse backgrounds to immerse themselves in the world of Shakespearean drama. Matthew Easterwood, a teacher at Eagleton Elementary, underscores the transformative power of the festival for his students, many of whom are experiencing live theater for the first time. Through rehearsals and performances, students not only hone their acting skills but also cultivate a deeper understanding of language and storytelling.
Despite the linguistic challenges posed by Shakespearean English, particularly for students learning English as a second language, the festival serves as a catalyst for language acquisition and cultural exchange. Easterwood notes that preparing for the festival complements his students’ broader efforts to master English, offering a creative outlet for expression and exploration.
The Denver Center for the Performing Arts plays a pivotal role in supporting the festival, underscoring its commitment to arts education and community engagement. CEO Janice Sinden lauds the festival as a celebration of inclusivity and artistic excellence, envisioning future collaborations that will showcase the talent nurtured through programs like DPS Shakespeare Festival.
As the festivities unfold, Charney, in his role as the Court Jester, delivers a poignant message of self-expression and authenticity, urging fellow students to embrace their true selves. Drawing inspiration from Shakespeare’s timeless wisdom, Charney reminds the audience of the power of art to effect change and inspire resilience.
In the heart of downtown Denver, amidst a sea of costumes and creativity, the DPS Shakespeare Festival continues to ignite a passion for theater and literature, leaving an indelible mark on students and audiences alike. As the curtain falls on another memorable year, the legacy of Shakespeare lives on, transcending generations and bridging communities through the power of storytelling.