The incredible case of “The Unusual Suspects”

By Jennifer Winkler

Issue of Feb. 27, 2009 / 3 Adar 5769

Based upon this title, I bet you think you are about to read about a crime, a mystery, or, perhaps, about a few possible felons.

See how we jump to conclusions? Judge a book by its cover? Make assumptions we later find out are false?

That is the theme of “The Unusual Suspects” by Samara Siskind, the upcoming HAFTR High School production. Without giving away the story, let’s just say that the play involves four archetype high-schoolers (the unusual suspects) and their stereotype busting activities.

Remember The Breakfast Club? While Suspects differs from the 80’s iconic film, it does share that message. (The same could be said about many popular high-school movies, from Grease to the High School Musical triumvirate).

What makes this theme so widely accepted is that it encourages the concept of being widely accepted. Teenagers –– and, indeed, many adults –– struggle with the question of where they fit in. And, just as anyone who tried to file away a stack of papers knows, it is always easier to find your place when you are properly labeled. This is simply a social organizing system. Are you under “J” for Jock? “B” for Brain? And the alphabet goes on...

But there are respites from the system –– places where everyone comes together and sheds their brands, and even reinvents him or herself, even if it is just for the moment. One of these places is drama. As a seasoned drama director, I see this phenomena occur at Every. Single. Production. Students, spanning the “alphabet,” who share a common interest in performance, production or set design, work together in a way that may not otherwise happen.

“People, who in regular school circumstances would not be friends, are drawn together by drama,” explains Danielle Finkelstein, the associate director of “The Unusual Suspects.” “Inevitable bonds between all the members of drama are established as a part of the preparation for the production.”

True, there are times during rehearsal when it seems like worlds collide, but in the end, working towards a single goal, being caught up in the unparalleled excitement of a live performance, and relying on teamwork to succeed, knits diversified cast and crews into a friendship quilt that would challenge the most brilliant taxonomist.

“After weeks and months of preparation for one or two nights of showing, you realize that the people you just stared at, or may not have even noticed walking by you on the street, or in the hall, have now come to be... your closest, dearest friends,” says Jesika Rozenberg, a HAFTR junior and an actress in the production.

Yet, many would-be thespians shy away from drama. Being on stage requires that one be, if not comfortable with, at least, accepting of, shining in the spotlight. The actual self is right there –– albeit playing a character –– and there is nothing to hide behind.

Rivi Wartenberg, another actress in the HAFTR production, describes her experience on stage.

“Being in drama since I was little helped me get over fears that I would have to face... It’s very intimidating standing in front of a huge audience and hoping you won’t mess up.”

In a time when society can safely communicate, disembodied, behind a computer or cell phone, the concept of live performance may be even scarier than ever.

For others, this theatrical experience is exhilarating. There are many of us who don’t like drama –– we LOVE it. There are no shades of passivity. I can identify this passion in many of my students, friends, colleagues and even strangers who lead “seemingly” normal and variegated lives, but on some level hope and/or believe that they may, one day, be discovered. For some of them, this may happen. As for the others, you may find them directing high school productions of their own.

Whatever courses their lives will navigate, the cast and crew of The Unusual Suspects exemplifies the phenomena of how drama breaks down the walls that separate us and create pigeon hole identities. Now, let’s imagine if we could figure out how to apply this “incredible case” to the whole world...

Jennifer Winkler is the Drama Director at HAFTR High School.