Middle School Revives Viking Epic
The Middle School mounted their production of Food for the Eagle for three thrilling nights in February. It tells the story of Ari, the youngest son of the Viking chief Swen Forkbeard, who was abandoned in the mountains at birth and determined to prove himself in his father’s eyes. The Viking epic was adapted for the stage 16 years ago by drama teacher Tim Evans and first performed by Crescent boys in 2009, Evans’s first year as a teacher. The opportunity to revise aspects of the play this year meant a bigger, bolder production.
“I was thinking of ways to have them explore the subject matter through drama and make it feel meaningful,” says Evans. Students didn’t simply memorize lines; during the public speaking unit in drama class, they wrote and presented Viking tales. A selection of these stories was integrated into the script and performed on stage. “It was pure creativity,” says Evans. Students also designed stage props, assisted as ushers, moved set pieces and ran the lights.
Evans brought in two experts to train the boys in stage combat, elevating the production to new heights. Read about this special training here.
It can be difficult for Middle School students to anticipate the pay-off of such a large project when they’re in the early stages, Evans says, but as they began to see the production come together, they felt a deep sense of pride. “It’s a lesson for all things in life that the more you put in, the more you get out.”
