Gathering Blue: A Cardinal Theater Production

On Thursday, February 23, 2023 and on Friday, February 24, 2023 the Cardinal Theater Company presented Gathering Blue.

Ms. Ollagnon, the director of the play, chose the play because “a play like Gathering Blue allows for a lot of imagination and visually creative choices.” Additionally, she explains how she “came across the play Gathering Blue while reading the play The Giver.” She liked “that Gathering Blue featured young characters, since we have some great young actors, and a variety of interesting roles.”

Gathering Blue is also a way to teach the Newman Community. “Gathering Blue shows us that care for one another and support of community, rather than hierarchical class structures in society, are the best way forward and the way that everyone can ‘win’ rather than having some winners and losers,” explains Ms. Ollagnon. Kira’s father teaches Kira “that she can use her talents and leadership to help everyone in her community.” Alikhan Kaukenayev ‘24 says, “it can teach the community about how easy it is to connect with new people if you put yourself out there.”

Live theater also contributes to the community. Ms. Ollagnon explains that “theater builds community for the participants and also for the entire school. The Cardinal Theatre Company at Newman has a place for anyone who wants to participate, whether on stage or back stage. It is a collaborative art form and teaches so many skills in teamwork and working towards a common goal.” Kaukenayev says, “I'm glad I met the theater team and developed a stronger bond with some of the cast members.”

In the future, the “Cardinal Theatre Company will be organizing and running an arts cafe (the second annual!) on April 19th. This will be open to anyone at Newman who has a talent or skill to showcase and wants to perform. It will be free for the audience and food and drinks will be sold as a fundraiser,” tells Ms. Ollagnon.