The Triangle Factory Fire Project
at Northwood

Reviewed on October 15, 2015

Yamini Nambimadom
University
Submitted for publication to OC Register

Northwood's ‘Triangle Factory Fire Project' a blazing success

Yamini Nambimadom is a senior at University High School

For the workers of the Triangle Shirtwaist factory, the day begins like any other. Skirts are rustling, boots are rattling, and spirits are high. But with one spark, the demand for workers' rights and women's suffrage becomes the forefront of an impassioned battle.

Northwood urges courage upon their viewers, poignantly expressing the woes of the 1910 working class through sincere character cameos and impressive production elements.

Clad in a beige suit and round reading glasses, journalist William Shepherd (Justin Lee) outlines the show. Lee's loud, lucid voice communicates Shepherd's objectivity and confidence. Eager to get the facts, Lee clutches his notebook, nods his head, maintains an upright posture and slowly ambles about the stage. His voice grows loud and agitated upon realizing his inability to remain unbiased in such tragedy.

Anthony Cervero effortlessly tackles contrasting roles, making each distinguishable. As Max Schwartz, a factory worker and Margaret's (Dolly Ostler) brother, Cervero loosens his posture, takes slow, gentle steps and dashes his sweet voice with agony. In stark contrast, his portrayal of lawyer Max Steuer is cold and demanding. His darting eyes, furrowed eyebrows and hasty pacing convey an air of haughtiness and villainy.

The workers are comprised of distinct personalities. Kate Alterman's (Katherine Paladichuk) thick Russian accent and agonizing cries effectively highlight the plight of the immigrant worker. Rose Freedman (Serene Chen) captures the essence of an excitable seventeen year-old, with wide-eyed naiveté and a singsong voice. Her optimism rarely falters, even in heartbreaking times. Mrs. Belmont (Elise Hughes) leads the charge for suffrage with a deep, commanding voice and a mature, grounded stature.

The lighting (Faaizah Saiduddin) and sound (Luke Jensen, Alec Harrison) deepen the somber mood. A consistent, subdued melody and a wash of bleak blue light bathe the stage in a wave of woe. The fire is startling and convincing; haze fills the stage and red, yellow, and orange lights begin to flicker suddenly.

The costumes, curated by Serena Junejo, also correspond with the melancholy tone. Simple olive, navy, and beige tones recur among blouses and skirts, era-appropriate for the women of the working class. The helpful decision to dress antagonists in stark black distinguishes the rival parties and simplifies the plot.

A burning reminder to fight for truth, Northwood's depiction of one of history's most tragic moments is both melancholy and marvelous.

Yamini Nambimadom
University
Submitted for publication to OC Register

Northwood's ‘Triangle Factory Fire Project' a blazing success

Yamini Nambimadom is a senior at University High School

For the workers of the Triangle Shirtwaist factory, the day begins like any other. Skirts are rustling, boots are rattling, and spirits are high. But with one spark, the demand for workers' rights and women's suffrage becomes the forefront of an impassioned battle.

Northwood urges courage upon their viewers, poignantly expressing the woes of the 1910 working class through sincere character cameos and impressive production elements.

Clad in a beige suit and round reading glasses, journalist William Shepherd (Justin Lee) outlines the show. Lee's loud, lucid voice communicates Shepherd's objectivity and confidence. Eager to get the facts, Lee clutches his notebook, nods his head, maintains an upright posture and slowly ambles about the stage. His voice grows loud and agitated upon realizing his inability to remain unbiased in such tragedy.

Anthony Cervero effortlessly tackles contrasting roles, making each distinguishable. As Max Schwartz, a factory worker and Margaret's (Dolly Ostler) brother, Cervero loosens his posture, takes slow, gentle steps and dashes his sweet voice with agony. In stark contrast, his portrayal of lawyer Max Steuer is cold and demanding. His darting eyes, furrowed eyebrows and hasty pacing convey an air of haughtiness and villainy.

The workers are comprised of distinct personalities. Kate Alterman's (Katherine Paladichuk) thick Russian accent and agonizing cries effectively highlight the plight of the immigrant worker. Rose Freedman (Serene Chen) captures the essence of an excitable seventeen year-old, with wide-eyed naiveté and a singsong voice. Her optimism rarely falters, even in heartbreaking times. Mrs. Belmont (Elise Hughes) leads the charge for suffrage with a deep, commanding voice and a mature, grounded stature.

The lighting (Faaizah Saiduddin) and sound (Luke Jensen, Alec Harrison) deepen the somber mood. A consistent, subdued melody and a wash of bleak blue light bathe the stage in a wave of woe. The fire is startling and convincing; haze fills the stage and red, yellow, and orange lights begin to flicker suddenly.

The costumes, curated by Serena Junejo, also correspond with the melancholy tone. Simple olive, navy, and beige tones recur among blouses and skirts, era-appropriate for the women of the working class. The helpful decision to dress antagonists in stark black distinguishes the rival parties and simplifies the plot.

A burning reminder to fight for truth, Northwood's depiction of one of history's most tragic moments is both melancholy and marvelous.

Claire Alkire
Brethren Christian
Submitted for publication to OC Register

‘Factory' produces beautiful work at Northwood

Claire Alkire is a senior at Brethren Christian High School


Fire burns. 146 people are killed. Hearts ache as women are rendered helpless, unable to escape the burning building, unable to make a change in their gridlocked society. Northwood High School's production of "The Triangle Factory Fire Project" unfolds a dark tale of social injustices, glaring unsafety in the Triangle Factory workplace, and the desperate rally of women to get their voices heard.

No single character is held above the rest as more or less important – every death matters, and likewise, every character matters. Dolly Ostler portrays Margaret Schwartz, a factory worker whose life and untimely death bring with it a slew of events from an emotional courtroom scene to a guilt-ridden suicide. Chloe Boulard as Yetta Lubitz delivers lines with a flawless Russian accent as she reaches to the audience, as if pleading with them for commiseration. Katherine Paladichuk is Kate Alterman, and captivates with earnest facial expressions as she repeats her traumatic experience over and over again to lawyer Max Steuer (Anthony Cervero), who simply offers a heartless grin in response.

Each actor must blend well with the others to create the oneness of a worker society atmosphere. To achieve this effect, some play multiple roles, changing in and out of costumes as well as dialects. Ian Bowe leaps flawlessly from character to character, making each distinct with different accents and believable facial expressions. Bowe's portrayal of the drunken Samuel Bernstein is enhanced by slurred words, a lumbering gait, and a heartbreakingly pitiful appeal for forgiveness.

The somber mood in the aftermath of the fire is enhanced by Faaizah Saiduddin's artful lighting design, as the stage is washed in deep blues and greens. When the fire breaks out, the stage is ablaze with oranges, yellows, and reds, all flickering as flames would.

Serena Junejo, costume designer, chooses blues and browns for every character's costumes to express unity and to highlight the dismal mood.

Emblazoned with passionate emotion, precise timing, and a story as heated as the fire itself, Northwood High School's "The Triangle Factory Fire Project" opens eyes to social injustices not just in the workplace, but also in the world.

Claire Alkire
Brethren Christian
Submitted for publication to OC Register

‘Factory' produces beautiful work at Northwood

Claire Alkire is a senior at Brethren Christian High School


Fire burns. 146 people are killed. Hearts ache as women are rendered helpless, unable to escape the burning building, unable to make a change in their gridlocked society. Northwood High School's production of "The Triangle Factory Fire Project" unfolds a dark tale of social injustices, glaring unsafety in the Triangle Factory workplace, and the desperate rally of women to get their voices heard.

No single character is held above the rest as more or less important – every death matters, and likewise, every character matters. Dolly Ostler portrays Margaret Schwartz, a factory worker whose life and untimely death bring with it a slew of events from an emotional courtroom scene to a guilt-ridden suicide. Chloe Boulard as Yetta Lubitz delivers lines with a flawless Russian accent as she reaches to the audience, as if pleading with them for commiseration. Katherine Paladichuk is Kate Alterman, and captivates with earnest facial expressions as she repeats her traumatic experience over and over again to lawyer Max Steuer (Anthony Cervero), who simply offers a heartless grin in response.

Each actor must blend well with the others to create the oneness of a worker society atmosphere. To achieve this effect, some play multiple roles, changing in and out of costumes as well as dialects. Ian Bowe leaps flawlessly from character to character, making each distinct with different accents and believable facial expressions. Bowe's portrayal of the drunken Samuel Bernstein is enhanced by slurred words, a lumbering gait, and a heartbreakingly pitiful appeal for forgiveness.

The somber mood in the aftermath of the fire is enhanced by Faaizah Saiduddin's artful lighting design, as the stage is washed in deep blues and greens. When the fire breaks out, the stage is ablaze with oranges, yellows, and reds, all flickering as flames would.

Serena Junejo, costume designer, chooses blues and browns for every character's costumes to express unity and to highlight the dismal mood.

Emblazoned with passionate emotion, precise timing, and a story as heated as the fire itself, Northwood High School's "The Triangle Factory Fire Project" opens eyes to social injustices not just in the workplace, but also in the world.

Kaylee Hepburn
Aliso Niguel
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

Northwood's "Triangle Factory Fire Project" Sparks A Success

Kaylee Hepburn is a senior at Aliso Niguel High School

Northwood High School recreates the fateful day in 1911 when 146 factory workers lost their lives during the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire. The combined efforts of both the cast and crew bring the victims' stories to life in a chilling tribute to that tragic day.

Katherine Paladichuk delivers a stellar performance as immigrant factory worker Kate Alterman. The clarity of her Russian accent and honest emotions create a strong, haunted character as she relives the events of the fire. Worker's Union organizer Rose Schneiderman (Jodi Wei) delivers some of the show's final words with a strong stage presence and confident tone. Wei's passion and conviction behind every line call for audiences to fight for workers' rights.

A stunning performance is given by Anthony Cervero who portrays five different characters throughout the show. While various costumes change his overall appearance, Cervero's voice inflections, physicality, and mood ultimately enable him to portray everything from a corrupt prosecutor to a grieving brother. Justin Lee also portrays three very different characters. His movements for each character distinctly differentiate each individual from the very moment he steps onstage.

During the trial following the fire, Ethel Monick (Sammy Boyarsky) testifies of the unjust and dangerous conditions the workers were subject to. Boyarsky goes from a bubbly young factory worker to a girl haunted by the events of the fire. Her chilling performance and character development embody the overall message of the show, pleading for change and reform.

The detailed set design (Jerry Liu) creates an eerie ambiance as the walls of the two-story factory are painted to be burnt and charred. The set is complemented by the intricate lighting design by Faaizah Saiduddin. Various hues of crimson and faded yellow shine on the burned edges of the set, effectively creating the illusion of a fire. With the death of factory worker Margaret Schwartz (Dolly Ostler) all lights go out except for a single harsh white spotlight. The stark contrast between the chaos of the fire and the death of each worker is enhanced through lighting.

The company of "Triangle Factory Fire Project" effectively portrays this industrial tragedy in a chilling tribute to the victims. Each ensemble member carries their own story that shines through their reactions and individual characterization. The combined efforts of both the cast and crew makes Northwood's show a success.

Kaylee Hepburn
Aliso Niguel
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

Northwood's "Triangle Factory Fire Project" Sparks A Success

Kaylee Hepburn is a senior at Aliso Niguel High School

Northwood High School recreates the fateful day in 1911 when 146 factory workers lost their lives during the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire. The combined efforts of both the cast and crew bring the victims' stories to life in a chilling tribute to that tragic day.

Katherine Paladichuk delivers a stellar performance as immigrant factory worker Kate Alterman. The clarity of her Russian accent and honest emotions create a strong, haunted character as she relives the events of the fire. Worker's Union organizer Rose Schneiderman (Jodi Wei) delivers some of the show's final words with a strong stage presence and confident tone. Wei's passion and conviction behind every line call for audiences to fight for workers' rights.

A stunning performance is given by Anthony Cervero who portrays five different characters throughout the show. While various costumes change his overall appearance, Cervero's voice inflections, physicality, and mood ultimately enable him to portray everything from a corrupt prosecutor to a grieving brother. Justin Lee also portrays three very different characters. His movements for each character distinctly differentiate each individual from the very moment he steps onstage.

During the trial following the fire, Ethel Monick (Sammy Boyarsky) testifies of the unjust and dangerous conditions the workers were subject to. Boyarsky goes from a bubbly young factory worker to a girl haunted by the events of the fire. Her chilling performance and character development embody the overall message of the show, pleading for change and reform.

The detailed set design (Jerry Liu) creates an eerie ambiance as the walls of the two-story factory are painted to be burnt and charred. The set is complemented by the intricate lighting design by Faaizah Saiduddin. Various hues of crimson and faded yellow shine on the burned edges of the set, effectively creating the illusion of a fire. With the death of factory worker Margaret Schwartz (Dolly Ostler) all lights go out except for a single harsh white spotlight. The stark contrast between the chaos of the fire and the death of each worker is enhanced through lighting.

The company of "Triangle Factory Fire Project" effectively portrays this industrial tragedy in a chilling tribute to the victims. Each ensemble member carries their own story that shines through their reactions and individual characterization. The combined efforts of both the cast and crew makes Northwood's show a success.