We the People: A Human Family Play
at Herndon High School

Reviewed on December 12, 2020

Ella Fosse
Lake Braddock Secondary School
Submitted for publication to Cappies News

The curtain rises. The audience waits with bated breath as the show finally starts. However, instead of thrilling pursuits of daring adventurers or the melodic prose of Shakespeare, the audience finds themselves face to face with regular Americans, just like them. In Herndon High School's production of "We the People: A Human Family Play", there were no daunting quests or terrible curses, but a reflection of the lives we, the people, live every day.

"We the People" originated in 1994 in a student-written production at Virginia Tech. One of the college students that conceived the project, Scott Pafumi, revamped the show in 2008 at Westfield HS, and then went on to restructure it again in 2020 at Herndon HS. Throughout all of these productions, although they may have different scripts, there has been a continued emphasis on the diversity of the American population. This concept is furthered through the structure of the play itself: through poems, skits, and monologues all centered on the hardships faced by marginalized groups in the United States.

Despite the hindrances of virtual theatre, the diverse cast of this production danced through their Zoom-recorded scenes with ease. Each ensemble member brought a fresh burst of energy straight from the comfort of their own home. Every one of them brought their own special circumstance to the stage: different heritages, beliefs, sexualities- a perfect representation of the United States today. When viewers watched this production, they saw an America they could relate to, no matter what their situation.

While every cast member displayed talent and amazing energy, there were some that went above and beyond to create an engaging atmosphere even with the barrier of a screen. Ava Deutschman captured viewers' attention right off the bat with an exaggerated flick of her wrist. She showcased all the talents of a good performer with her impressively expressive intonation and vibrancy while performing her monologue. Yaliek Miranda expressed this same energy with his performance, especially his solo monologue, which was conveyed in rap form. Every rhyme was deeply personal and intensely meaningful. Viewers felt as if he was sitting down with them and talking to them like best friends. With Miranda, the relationship of audience and performer was broken down completely, replaced instead with an intimacy that felt more like a friendship.

Every member of the cast contributed to the excellence of the production. There was not a weak link in the entire group. Significantly, Andrew Landrum employed impressive physicality even within the confines of a computer screen. Juniors Lainey Bradley and Kelly Grover made an impressive pair when they performed their intertwined monologues. They emphasized the weight of the topic at hand- criminal justice reform- with maturity and skill.

Due to the complications of virtual production, many of the traditional aspects of technical work were absent from this production. This didn't stop the members of "We the People" from putting on a production that not only exemplified the diversity of the United States in their stories, but in their surroundings as well. It seemed like every scene had a different background, from plain walls to blurred bedrooms to posters covering the space behind the performer. This theme of diversity was carried into the costuming as well, with no two players dressed the same. Everyone was unique in nearly every way, which perfectly encapsulated the purpose of the show itself.

Herndon High School's performance of "We the People" explored hard truths of what it means to be an American in today's society in a production that truly exemplified the diversity of the United States.

Ella Fosse
Lake Braddock Secondary School
Submitted for publication to Cappies News

The curtain rises. The audience waits with bated breath as the show finally starts. However, instead of thrilling pursuits of daring adventurers or the melodic prose of Shakespeare, the audience finds themselves face to face with regular Americans, just like them. In Herndon High School's production of "We the People: A Human Family Play", there were no daunting quests or terrible curses, but a reflection of the lives we, the people, live every day.

"We the People" originated in 1994 in a student-written production at Virginia Tech. One of the college students that conceived the project, Scott Pafumi, revamped the show in 2008 at Westfield HS, and then went on to restructure it again in 2020 at Herndon HS. Throughout all of these productions, although they may have different scripts, there has been a continued emphasis on the diversity of the American population. This concept is furthered through the structure of the play itself: through poems, skits, and monologues all centered on the hardships faced by marginalized groups in the United States.

Despite the hindrances of virtual theatre, the diverse cast of this production danced through their Zoom-recorded scenes with ease. Each ensemble member brought a fresh burst of energy straight from the comfort of their own home. Every one of them brought their own special circumstance to the stage: different heritages, beliefs, sexualities- a perfect representation of the United States today. When viewers watched this production, they saw an America they could relate to, no matter what their situation.

While every cast member displayed talent and amazing energy, there were some that went above and beyond to create an engaging atmosphere even with the barrier of a screen. Ava Deutschman captured viewers' attention right off the bat with an exaggerated flick of her wrist. She showcased all the talents of a good performer with her impressively expressive intonation and vibrancy while performing her monologue. Yaliek Miranda expressed this same energy with his performance, especially his solo monologue, which was conveyed in rap form. Every rhyme was deeply personal and intensely meaningful. Viewers felt as if he was sitting down with them and talking to them like best friends. With Miranda, the relationship of audience and performer was broken down completely, replaced instead with an intimacy that felt more like a friendship.

Every member of the cast contributed to the excellence of the production. There was not a weak link in the entire group. Significantly, Andrew Landrum employed impressive physicality even within the confines of a computer screen. Juniors Lainey Bradley and Kelly Grover made an impressive pair when they performed their intertwined monologues. They emphasized the weight of the topic at hand- criminal justice reform- with maturity and skill.

Due to the complications of virtual production, many of the traditional aspects of technical work were absent from this production. This didn't stop the members of "We the People" from putting on a production that not only exemplified the diversity of the United States in their stories, but in their surroundings as well. It seemed like every scene had a different background, from plain walls to blurred bedrooms to posters covering the space behind the performer. This theme of diversity was carried into the costuming as well, with no two players dressed the same. Everyone was unique in nearly every way, which perfectly encapsulated the purpose of the show itself.

Herndon High School's performance of "We the People" explored hard truths of what it means to be an American in today's society in a production that truly exemplified the diversity of the United States.

Wilson Weingast
Lake Braddock Secondary School
Submitted for publication to Cappies News 2

Who are we? We are strong, we are brave, we are fighters. We come from all walks of life, across all races, sexes, genders, and religions. We are Americans. We are the People!

Herndon High School's We the People: A Human Family Play, is a series of vignettes creating an introspective look at the experiences of the people of America. A compilation of original works created by director Scott Pafumi and his fellow theatre majors at Virginia Tech University in 1994, We the People tells a powerful tale about the hardships endured by the minorities of America. Directors Scott Pafumi and Cynthia Crisafulli adapted their play to reflect the different challenges plaguing America today, and redesigned the vignettes into a virtual show.

Herndon executed the change to a virtual setting to the show extremely well. They incorporated new approaches into the technical staging of the show, such as using a virtual green screen, using the actors' homes as settings for the show, and using a plain white wall to add greater impact to the scene. For example, in the Preamble of the Constitution scene, Herndon filmed the three actors in the same location, incorporating items such as face masks into their costumes to reflect the modern struggles Covid-19 onto the founding fathers of this nation.

To shift to virtual theatre, Herndon primarily used pre-recorded videos or Zoom-recordings to maintain Covid-19 health and safety protocols. This worked flawlessly: all of the actors were in sync with each other, avoiding awkward delays between speaking. There were no audio or video issues.

We the People deals with heavy topics, such as the plight of an illegal immigrant coming to this nation, the struggles of the LGBTQ community, criminal justice reform, the difficulties of being a woman in America, and the experience of being a racial minority in America. The ensemble of actors dealt with these subjects with a lot of respect, and clearly felt the passion behind what they were saying. This feeling was amplified by the rich diversity of the Herndon theatre department, who brought power to their speech. One such example was Ava Deutschman when she read the poem If Men could Menstruate by Gloria Steinem. From the second Deutschman put on Steinem's iconic glasses, she commanded the stage. She used her personality and stage presence to take control of the room during her monologue.

Another standout from the ensemble in We the People was Yaliek Miranda, who wrote and performed an original work entitled Not Gonna Change about his personal struggles with bullies, mental health, and homelessness. His words were moving and thought provoking, while also creating a rhythmic flow to his performance.

The ensemble behind the Herndon theatre department was what really made We the People impactful. Whether it was the funny, yet powerful discussion amongst LGBTQ youth at a high school's Gay-Straight Alliance meeting, or the group of women discussing what they will never be able to do because of the oppression by the patriarchy in the vignette, "I'll never be able to…", Herndon's ensemble was consistently strong throughout the course of We the People. The individuals who comprised the ensemble were the ones who brought the power behind the show.

We the People highlights who we are as a nation: we are unique and diverse; no one in the world will ever live the same life and go through the same experiences. We are ourselves, and yet, We are the People of the United States of America.

Wilson Weingast
Lake Braddock Secondary School
Submitted for publication to Cappies News 2

Who are we? We are strong, we are brave, we are fighters. We come from all walks of life, across all races, sexes, genders, and religions. We are Americans. We are the People!

Herndon High School's We the People: A Human Family Play, is a series of vignettes creating an introspective look at the experiences of the people of America. A compilation of original works created by director Scott Pafumi and his fellow theatre majors at Virginia Tech University in 1994, We the People tells a powerful tale about the hardships endured by the minorities of America. Directors Scott Pafumi and Cynthia Crisafulli adapted their play to reflect the different challenges plaguing America today, and redesigned the vignettes into a virtual show.

Herndon executed the change to a virtual setting to the show extremely well. They incorporated new approaches into the technical staging of the show, such as using a virtual green screen, using the actors' homes as settings for the show, and using a plain white wall to add greater impact to the scene. For example, in the Preamble of the Constitution scene, Herndon filmed the three actors in the same location, incorporating items such as face masks into their costumes to reflect the modern struggles Covid-19 onto the founding fathers of this nation.

To shift to virtual theatre, Herndon primarily used pre-recorded videos or Zoom-recordings to maintain Covid-19 health and safety protocols. This worked flawlessly: all of the actors were in sync with each other, avoiding awkward delays between speaking. There were no audio or video issues.

We the People deals with heavy topics, such as the plight of an illegal immigrant coming to this nation, the struggles of the LGBTQ community, criminal justice reform, the difficulties of being a woman in America, and the experience of being a racial minority in America. The ensemble of actors dealt with these subjects with a lot of respect, and clearly felt the passion behind what they were saying. This feeling was amplified by the rich diversity of the Herndon theatre department, who brought power to their speech. One such example was Ava Deutschman when she read the poem If Men could Menstruate by Gloria Steinem. From the second Deutschman put on Steinem's iconic glasses, she commanded the stage. She used her personality and stage presence to take control of the room during her monologue.

Another standout from the ensemble in We the People was Yaliek Miranda, who wrote and performed an original work entitled Not Gonna Change about his personal struggles with bullies, mental health, and homelessness. His words were moving and thought provoking, while also creating a rhythmic flow to his performance.

The ensemble behind the Herndon theatre department was what really made We the People impactful. Whether it was the funny, yet powerful discussion amongst LGBTQ youth at a high school's Gay-Straight Alliance meeting, or the group of women discussing what they will never be able to do because of the oppression by the patriarchy in the vignette, "I'll never be able to…", Herndon's ensemble was consistently strong throughout the course of We the People. The individuals who comprised the ensemble were the ones who brought the power behind the show.

We the People highlights who we are as a nation: we are unique and diverse; no one in the world will ever live the same life and go through the same experiences. We are ourselves, and yet, We are the People of the United States of America.

Elliot Baird
Lake Braddock Secondary School
Submitted for publication to FCPS Community News

"I am Puerta Rican." "I am on the spectrum." "I am gay." "I am black." Proud statement after proud statement rang out in the opening of Herndon High School's We the People, the beginning of what would be a half hour long portrait of an America far more diverse than we often perceive.

We the People was originally conceived in 1994 by a group of theatre majors at Virginia Tech, including Herndon's director, Scott Pafumi. It was developed and performed again at Westfield High School in Fairfax County in 2008, and finally here at Herndon. We the People is an exploration of the American identity through readings of poetry and student written vignettes, monologues, and musical performances.

The piece was performed entirely as a cooperative ensemble, with each performer having about equal time to appeal to the audience. Every actor contributed in their own diverse ways to the performance, and each was essential to creating the feeling of community that threaded through the show.

Two notable performances were those of Kelly Grover and Lainey Bradley in the scene "Criminal Justice Reform." They gave grounded, earnest performances that helped juxtapose the differing worlds of black and white America. Ava Duetschman gave a spirited reading of Gloria Steinem's "If Men Could Menstruate" that added a freshness and modern personality to the poem.

Though the virtual setting certainly creates challenges, Herndon's production used it to their advantage. The background of students' homes and bedrooms created an intimate, personal feeling that helped bridge the gap between performer and audience. They also presented the media in a variety of ways, between scenes filmed in person, individual readings, and scenes framed as zoom calls. Stage managers Lulu Megahed and Meena Megahed helped execute and organize these scenes with precision.

The writing, produced mostly by the students, created a meaningful discussion on a variety of topics facing modern America. It felt true to a teenage voice, and made many pertinent, touching arguments for those our society has hurt. There was also inclusion of beautiful student composed music by Yaliek Miranda, which underscored key moments in the show.

Through its writing, production, and performance, Herndon's We the People spoke to the injustices of today's America and the dream of what it could one day be.

Elliot Baird
Lake Braddock Secondary School
Submitted for publication to FCPS Community News

"I am Puerta Rican." "I am on the spectrum." "I am gay." "I am black." Proud statement after proud statement rang out in the opening of Herndon High School's We the People, the beginning of what would be a half hour long portrait of an America far more diverse than we often perceive.

We the People was originally conceived in 1994 by a group of theatre majors at Virginia Tech, including Herndon's director, Scott Pafumi. It was developed and performed again at Westfield High School in Fairfax County in 2008, and finally here at Herndon. We the People is an exploration of the American identity through readings of poetry and student written vignettes, monologues, and musical performances.

The piece was performed entirely as a cooperative ensemble, with each performer having about equal time to appeal to the audience. Every actor contributed in their own diverse ways to the performance, and each was essential to creating the feeling of community that threaded through the show.

Two notable performances were those of Kelly Grover and Lainey Bradley in the scene "Criminal Justice Reform." They gave grounded, earnest performances that helped juxtapose the differing worlds of black and white America. Ava Duetschman gave a spirited reading of Gloria Steinem's "If Men Could Menstruate" that added a freshness and modern personality to the poem.

Though the virtual setting certainly creates challenges, Herndon's production used it to their advantage. The background of students' homes and bedrooms created an intimate, personal feeling that helped bridge the gap between performer and audience. They also presented the media in a variety of ways, between scenes filmed in person, individual readings, and scenes framed as zoom calls. Stage managers Lulu Megahed and Meena Megahed helped execute and organize these scenes with precision.

The writing, produced mostly by the students, created a meaningful discussion on a variety of topics facing modern America. It felt true to a teenage voice, and made many pertinent, touching arguments for those our society has hurt. There was also inclusion of beautiful student composed music by Yaliek Miranda, which underscored key moments in the show.

Through its writing, production, and performance, Herndon's We the People spoke to the injustices of today's America and the dream of what it could one day be.

Neena Peterson
Dominion High School
Submitted for publication to Patch (Fairfax/Alexandria)

As 2020 saw the country engrossed in a revolution of self-discovery and protest in the face of gender-based and racial injustices alongside the health crisis of COVID-19, many people lost their identity. Despite the tragedy surrounding them, the talented students at Herndon High School redefined what it means to be "American" in their recent original production of We the People.

Created on the Virginia Tech campus by a group of enthusiastic theatre majors in 1994, with the help of Herndon's current theatre director, Scott Pafumi, this revamped adaptation of the original show assembled an inherently diverse cast to bring the show's concepts into the 21st century and showcase the relatable consequences of nearly a year living under quarantine.

Addressing the complexities of an identity defined by no single interpretation, whether that be through ethnicity, religion, or sexuality, the students did an incredible job in using their production limitations to benefit the show and increase its impact as a result. Despite the restrictions of typical accessibility to the resources from their beloved theater, the homespun lighting and audio quality rather lent itself to the message than distracted from it, while the variation in each of the performers' sets and costumes redefined the necessity of conformity, further impacting the audience with its all-encompassing diversity.

By taking advantage of their differences, several students stood out in their acting skills and physicality. The production opened with each ensemble member giving an "I am…" introduction, in which they defined themselves by a unique characteristic. In this way the characters achieved their preliminary goal of perpetuating stereotypes and tearing them down through the value of an honest declaration. Additionally, the memorable monologue of Ava Deutschman as Gloria Steinem in "If Men Could Menstruate," highlighted the value of physicality in intriguing the audience. She utilized being on the small screen and increased her minute yet powerful inflection to truly exemplify the character and subsequently both her and Steinem's anger at the injustice of gendered discrimination.

Even more so, the knowledge of this original show and its rewrite to adapt for the difficulties and changes in 2020 specifically acknowledged and tailored each story to the diversity and unique struggles of the cast, which increased both their relatability and connection to their peers in an artistic, though differentiated execution that ultimately exhibited their capability as young actors. While Yaliek Miranda's original rap "Not Gonna Change" conveyed his hardships in a mode of comforting rhyme, the ensemble of the "GSA" (Gay-Straight Alliance) skit authentically displayed the awkwardness of today's daily Zoom calls while it still highlighted the importance of sharing and supporting one another. Both, no matter how different they are, took advantage of the cast's own experiences to be channeled into their skilled performances.

The truly surprising aspect of this show was that, despite its large diversification in topics and modes of expression, each story connected to the other in its message. The duality and back-and-forth conversation, well-executed through an online call and maintained consistently throughout the show, managed to transform the on-stage performance into a nearly interactive online experience that conveyed each controversial issue in a blunt, confident tone that took each of the issues in stride and respected its origins as well.

Herndon High School's performance of We the People truly exemplified the importance of this country's diversity, and, no matter the differences that may divide them, how everyone is American.

Neena Peterson
Dominion High School
Submitted for publication to Patch (Fairfax/Alexandria)

As 2020 saw the country engrossed in a revolution of self-discovery and protest in the face of gender-based and racial injustices alongside the health crisis of COVID-19, many people lost their identity. Despite the tragedy surrounding them, the talented students at Herndon High School redefined what it means to be "American" in their recent original production of We the People.

Created on the Virginia Tech campus by a group of enthusiastic theatre majors in 1994, with the help of Herndon's current theatre director, Scott Pafumi, this revamped adaptation of the original show assembled an inherently diverse cast to bring the show's concepts into the 21st century and showcase the relatable consequences of nearly a year living under quarantine.

Addressing the complexities of an identity defined by no single interpretation, whether that be through ethnicity, religion, or sexuality, the students did an incredible job in using their production limitations to benefit the show and increase its impact as a result. Despite the restrictions of typical accessibility to the resources from their beloved theater, the homespun lighting and audio quality rather lent itself to the message than distracted from it, while the variation in each of the performers' sets and costumes redefined the necessity of conformity, further impacting the audience with its all-encompassing diversity.

By taking advantage of their differences, several students stood out in their acting skills and physicality. The production opened with each ensemble member giving an "I am…" introduction, in which they defined themselves by a unique characteristic. In this way the characters achieved their preliminary goal of perpetuating stereotypes and tearing them down through the value of an honest declaration. Additionally, the memorable monologue of Ava Deutschman as Gloria Steinem in "If Men Could Menstruate," highlighted the value of physicality in intriguing the audience. She utilized being on the small screen and increased her minute yet powerful inflection to truly exemplify the character and subsequently both her and Steinem's anger at the injustice of gendered discrimination.

Even more so, the knowledge of this original show and its rewrite to adapt for the difficulties and changes in 2020 specifically acknowledged and tailored each story to the diversity and unique struggles of the cast, which increased both their relatability and connection to their peers in an artistic, though differentiated execution that ultimately exhibited their capability as young actors. While Yaliek Miranda's original rap "Not Gonna Change" conveyed his hardships in a mode of comforting rhyme, the ensemble of the "GSA" (Gay-Straight Alliance) skit authentically displayed the awkwardness of today's daily Zoom calls while it still highlighted the importance of sharing and supporting one another. Both, no matter how different they are, took advantage of the cast's own experiences to be channeled into their skilled performances.

The truly surprising aspect of this show was that, despite its large diversification in topics and modes of expression, each story connected to the other in its message. The duality and back-and-forth conversation, well-executed through an online call and maintained consistently throughout the show, managed to transform the on-stage performance into a nearly interactive online experience that conveyed each controversial issue in a blunt, confident tone that took each of the issues in stride and respected its origins as well.

Herndon High School's performance of We the People truly exemplified the importance of this country's diversity, and, no matter the differences that may divide them, how everyone is American.

Divya Lobo
Dominion High School
Submitted for publication to Connection

"Let America be the dream the dreamers dreamed…" Amidst the height of partisan-ism, racial tensions, and sexism in 2020, Herndon High School's virtual rendition of We the People bridged the divides.

From a young boy's journey across the border to the nervous interest meeting of a high school Gay-Straight Alliance, the play beautifully presented the diverse experiences of Americans through a series of poems, skits, and monologues. We the People demonstrated how old problems persist in our country, unveiling the harsh realities of racial inequity and stereotypes still present today.

The play not only portrayed the struggles of Americans but also conveyed a message of hope and determination. Yaliek Miranda's rap in "Not Gonna Change" challenged the stereotypes for Hispanics with the vulnerability and experiences expressed in his lyrics. The women's fear of rape culture evolved into an inspiring determination to overcome the limitations of social norms with the female characters' conviction in the "I will never be able to" dialogue. Kelly Grover and Lainey Bradley's performance in "Criminal Justice Reform" described the effects of racial bias and economic inequality within the court system perfectly, as two women charged with the same crime had drastically different futures. We the People's stories were inclusive and engaging, each character's execution of their story evoking sympathy and a sense of community.

The "I am" introduction created a bond with the diverse cast as each character shared a vulnerable part of their identity and foreshadowed their experience in America. While the actors' tone occasionally did not match the story told, the energy of the play was infectious. Ava Deutschman brought flair and sass to Steinem's "If Men Could Menstruate," adding a touch of humor to hypocritical sexist stereotypes. From the moment she pulled her hair down, Deutschman's sarcasm and inflection highlighted a frustration almost all women could connect with. Emma (Emma Harris), the president of the GSA, had a familiar sense of anxiousness when she started her first meeting. Harris and Andrew Landrum's expressions throughout the scene were welcoming and encouraging as they called out normalized stereotypes in the media.

Even with the limitations of a virtual play, Herndon High School's performance was nearly seamless. The conversations between characters in the GSA scene flowed naturally while the video editing allowed each scene to transition well with the upbeat music (composed by Yaliek Miranda). Particularly seen with the white and dark backgrounds in the criminal justice reform scene, the cast members enhanced each story with their settings; the diverse backgrounds added to the individuality of the characters. Herndon High School took advantage of the different opportunities within a virtual setting, shifting from group zoom calls to individual narration, providing a variety of camera angles throughout the play. The forefathers' scene thoughtfully adapted the traditional theatre performance to COVID-19 guidelines as Ankit Poudel, Jake Swery, and Jefferson Escobar Rivera wore masks with their colonial costumes and props.

With a diverse cast, script, and way of storytelling, We the People was a relatable and engaging play that showcased the variety of experiences every American faces. As the forefathers conclude by reading the Constitution in Spanish, you will truly believe "We are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike…"

Divya Lobo
Dominion High School
Submitted for publication to Connection

"Let America be the dream the dreamers dreamed…" Amidst the height of partisan-ism, racial tensions, and sexism in 2020, Herndon High School's virtual rendition of We the People bridged the divides.

From a young boy's journey across the border to the nervous interest meeting of a high school Gay-Straight Alliance, the play beautifully presented the diverse experiences of Americans through a series of poems, skits, and monologues. We the People demonstrated how old problems persist in our country, unveiling the harsh realities of racial inequity and stereotypes still present today.

The play not only portrayed the struggles of Americans but also conveyed a message of hope and determination. Yaliek Miranda's rap in "Not Gonna Change" challenged the stereotypes for Hispanics with the vulnerability and experiences expressed in his lyrics. The women's fear of rape culture evolved into an inspiring determination to overcome the limitations of social norms with the female characters' conviction in the "I will never be able to" dialogue. Kelly Grover and Lainey Bradley's performance in "Criminal Justice Reform" described the effects of racial bias and economic inequality within the court system perfectly, as two women charged with the same crime had drastically different futures. We the People's stories were inclusive and engaging, each character's execution of their story evoking sympathy and a sense of community.

The "I am" introduction created a bond with the diverse cast as each character shared a vulnerable part of their identity and foreshadowed their experience in America. While the actors' tone occasionally did not match the story told, the energy of the play was infectious. Ava Deutschman brought flair and sass to Steinem's "If Men Could Menstruate," adding a touch of humor to hypocritical sexist stereotypes. From the moment she pulled her hair down, Deutschman's sarcasm and inflection highlighted a frustration almost all women could connect with. Emma (Emma Harris), the president of the GSA, had a familiar sense of anxiousness when she started her first meeting. Harris and Andrew Landrum's expressions throughout the scene were welcoming and encouraging as they called out normalized stereotypes in the media.

Even with the limitations of a virtual play, Herndon High School's performance was nearly seamless. The conversations between characters in the GSA scene flowed naturally while the video editing allowed each scene to transition well with the upbeat music (composed by Yaliek Miranda). Particularly seen with the white and dark backgrounds in the criminal justice reform scene, the cast members enhanced each story with their settings; the diverse backgrounds added to the individuality of the characters. Herndon High School took advantage of the different opportunities within a virtual setting, shifting from group zoom calls to individual narration, providing a variety of camera angles throughout the play. The forefathers' scene thoughtfully adapted the traditional theatre performance to COVID-19 guidelines as Ankit Poudel, Jake Swery, and Jefferson Escobar Rivera wore masks with their colonial costumes and props.

With a diverse cast, script, and way of storytelling, We the People was a relatable and engaging play that showcased the variety of experiences every American faces. As the forefathers conclude by reading the Constitution in Spanish, you will truly believe "We are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike…"

Lauren Katz
Lake Braddock Secondary School
Submitted for publication to Fairfax County Times

In a time of great turmoil, polarization, and isolation, it can be difficult to make connections in the real world. Uniting a diverse world while staying socially distant proves a difficult task, but after seeing Herndon High School's production of We the People, it is evident that connecting people from all backgrounds in times like this is not only doable, but necessary.

We the People was written in 1994 when a group of theatre majors at Virginia Tech wished to further open the stigmatized narrative surrounding topics of racism, sexism, homophobia, and other minority groups to celebrate the diversity in America. Herndon's own theatre arts director was also one of the writers of the show and explained how he chose the production in hopes that the message of embracing diversity could be amplified in a year of such division.

The Herndon High School Theater Company chose to film the entirety of We the People remotely, each actor filming in front of their own individual background in their houses, but this did not take away the feeling of togetherness brought forward by the production. To ensure that the production still had a large personal note, each member of the cast filmed an "I am" statement. These statements gave some detail into what each person was going through, while also revealing the human side of the production. The entire ensemble, one by one, stood full front to the camera, wearing ordinary clothes and makeup, and stated truths about themselves. This sequence was hugely personal and eliminated the distant feeling that comes with not being able to see the performance in person.

Another huge issue that the actors had to overcome was the inability to incorporate strong physicality into their performances. The video format chosen to capture the show only included the head and upper body of the actors most of the time, making it difficult for actors to convey emotions the way they usually would on a stage. Luckily, the actors were adaptable and compensated with strong facial expressions, simple gestures, and posture. Two actors who did a particularly great job of conveying their emotions through facial expressions and gestures were Yaliek Miranda and Ava Deutschman. Both Yaliek and Ava had solo scenes with poetic language and rhythm incorporated. The pair of actors were both able to use the rhythm of the words to aid their delivery, making the emotions behind the piece evident and personal.

An additional artistic choice that helped define the show was the choice to film each person's parts at their house with ordinary costumes, no excessive stage makeup, and simple methods of recording, like holding a phone or sitting at a desk with a computer. These methods embraced the essence of the 2020 world instead of hiding from it, which made the show all the more genuine and sincere.

Even though it was first written and performed over 25 years ago, We the People remains relevant in 2020. The script was so durable that even during a global pandemic, Herndon High School could produce this production, with just a few personal modifications. The mere fact that a performance of We The People was able to be performed during such a polarizing time is a testament to the strength of diversity, and the strong unity that exists in the Herndon High School Theater Department.

Lauren Katz
Lake Braddock Secondary School
Submitted for publication to Fairfax County Times

In a time of great turmoil, polarization, and isolation, it can be difficult to make connections in the real world. Uniting a diverse world while staying socially distant proves a difficult task, but after seeing Herndon High School's production of We the People, it is evident that connecting people from all backgrounds in times like this is not only doable, but necessary.

We the People was written in 1994 when a group of theatre majors at Virginia Tech wished to further open the stigmatized narrative surrounding topics of racism, sexism, homophobia, and other minority groups to celebrate the diversity in America. Herndon's own theatre arts director was also one of the writers of the show and explained how he chose the production in hopes that the message of embracing diversity could be amplified in a year of such division.

The Herndon High School Theater Company chose to film the entirety of We the People remotely, each actor filming in front of their own individual background in their houses, but this did not take away the feeling of togetherness brought forward by the production. To ensure that the production still had a large personal note, each member of the cast filmed an "I am" statement. These statements gave some detail into what each person was going through, while also revealing the human side of the production. The entire ensemble, one by one, stood full front to the camera, wearing ordinary clothes and makeup, and stated truths about themselves. This sequence was hugely personal and eliminated the distant feeling that comes with not being able to see the performance in person.

Another huge issue that the actors had to overcome was the inability to incorporate strong physicality into their performances. The video format chosen to capture the show only included the head and upper body of the actors most of the time, making it difficult for actors to convey emotions the way they usually would on a stage. Luckily, the actors were adaptable and compensated with strong facial expressions, simple gestures, and posture. Two actors who did a particularly great job of conveying their emotions through facial expressions and gestures were Yaliek Miranda and Ava Deutschman. Both Yaliek and Ava had solo scenes with poetic language and rhythm incorporated. The pair of actors were both able to use the rhythm of the words to aid their delivery, making the emotions behind the piece evident and personal.

An additional artistic choice that helped define the show was the choice to film each person's parts at their house with ordinary costumes, no excessive stage makeup, and simple methods of recording, like holding a phone or sitting at a desk with a computer. These methods embraced the essence of the 2020 world instead of hiding from it, which made the show all the more genuine and sincere.

Even though it was first written and performed over 25 years ago, We the People remains relevant in 2020. The script was so durable that even during a global pandemic, Herndon High School could produce this production, with just a few personal modifications. The mere fact that a performance of We The People was able to be performed during such a polarizing time is a testament to the strength of diversity, and the strong unity that exists in the Herndon High School Theater Department.

Megan Orlando
Lake Braddock Secondary School
Submitted for publication to The Stinger

"We the People" opened on America's Founding fathers as they inscribed the ideals of America onto parchment. That occurred over 200 years ago and since then, the ideals of America have fundamentally changed. This was brilliantly displayed in Herndon High Schools production of We the People, A Human Family Play.

We the People was written in 1994 by Herndon High's director Scott D. Pafumi. Before making its home at Herndon High School, We the People was originally performed at Virginia Tech's Theater in their 1994 season, and again in 2008 at Westfield High School. Each new performance of We the People came with a new adaption of the script, making each performance new and unique. This performance is no exception; the script was molded to talk about the relevant hard-hitting topics of today's society.

The audience was struck by the actors' dazzling ability to carry serious issues in lucid and explicit ways. Through the creative use of vignettes, many got to peek into what it may feel like to be a minority in today's society. These individual skits spoke about a wide range of topics from the Criminal Justice System to the struggles of being an LGBTQ+ youth. The maturity of all the actors created an environment where others could relate to common issues in their lives.

Ava Deutschman performed a vignette that was titled If Men Could Menstruate in which she reveals a fault in our society by stating that if all men could menstruate, there would be nothing but praise for it. Deutschman brilliantly took her hair down, luring the audience into the scene before she courageously leaped into her monologue. Her confidence sparkled and her declaration captivated the viewers. Deutschman's masterful inflection held the watchers dangling in suspense wondering "what element will she reveal next?

The striking duo of Kelly Grover and Lainey Bradley produced a scene titled Criminal Justice Reform where the two dove into the systemic issues regarding race in America. Grover, a white girl, and Bradley, a black girl, portrayed two hardworking 18-year-olds who were both charged with the same crime, distribution of marijuana. The two girls flawlessly bounced off each other to tell their strikingly different stories to the world. Grover boldly recounted the story of a girl who made a mistake and was quickly handed a solution. While Bradley, with a strikingly different story, sadly recounted the story of a girl whose entire life was flipped upside down for a small mistake. These girls courageously took on their roles and courageously stepped in front of the camera to open the eyes of others to what hides behind the veil of justice.

The gorgeous costumes worn by the actors portrayed incredible personalization to the individuals that were unveiled to the audience. Each character wore a costume that directly represented who that character was. For example, Ava Deutschman wore a contrast of ebony and porcelain clothes to represent that, like her beliefs, Deutschman is extremely audacious. In addition to realistic personalization, the costumes also did a magnificent job at portraying our beloved Founding Fathers. Each forefather wore a unique and different costume, one wore a scarlet red Bellamy shirt with an eggshell white trim while another wore a crisp white Bellamy shirt with a butterscotch trim. The costumes created a realistic and personal environment to truly immerse the audience in the performance.

Thanks to the spectacular maturity of Herndon's actors, many left feeling a deep personal connection to the stories they had witnessed. The message of We the People will be unforgettably seared into the minds of all.

Megan Orlando
Lake Braddock Secondary School
Submitted for publication to The Stinger

"We the People" opened on America's Founding fathers as they inscribed the ideals of America onto parchment. That occurred over 200 years ago and since then, the ideals of America have fundamentally changed. This was brilliantly displayed in Herndon High Schools production of We the People, A Human Family Play.

We the People was written in 1994 by Herndon High's director Scott D. Pafumi. Before making its home at Herndon High School, We the People was originally performed at Virginia Tech's Theater in their 1994 season, and again in 2008 at Westfield High School. Each new performance of We the People came with a new adaption of the script, making each performance new and unique. This performance is no exception; the script was molded to talk about the relevant hard-hitting topics of today's society.

The audience was struck by the actors' dazzling ability to carry serious issues in lucid and explicit ways. Through the creative use of vignettes, many got to peek into what it may feel like to be a minority in today's society. These individual skits spoke about a wide range of topics from the Criminal Justice System to the struggles of being an LGBTQ+ youth. The maturity of all the actors created an environment where others could relate to common issues in their lives.

Ava Deutschman performed a vignette that was titled If Men Could Menstruate in which she reveals a fault in our society by stating that if all men could menstruate, there would be nothing but praise for it. Deutschman brilliantly took her hair down, luring the audience into the scene before she courageously leaped into her monologue. Her confidence sparkled and her declaration captivated the viewers. Deutschman's masterful inflection held the watchers dangling in suspense wondering "what element will she reveal next?

The striking duo of Kelly Grover and Lainey Bradley produced a scene titled Criminal Justice Reform where the two dove into the systemic issues regarding race in America. Grover, a white girl, and Bradley, a black girl, portrayed two hardworking 18-year-olds who were both charged with the same crime, distribution of marijuana. The two girls flawlessly bounced off each other to tell their strikingly different stories to the world. Grover boldly recounted the story of a girl who made a mistake and was quickly handed a solution. While Bradley, with a strikingly different story, sadly recounted the story of a girl whose entire life was flipped upside down for a small mistake. These girls courageously took on their roles and courageously stepped in front of the camera to open the eyes of others to what hides behind the veil of justice.

The gorgeous costumes worn by the actors portrayed incredible personalization to the individuals that were unveiled to the audience. Each character wore a costume that directly represented who that character was. For example, Ava Deutschman wore a contrast of ebony and porcelain clothes to represent that, like her beliefs, Deutschman is extremely audacious. In addition to realistic personalization, the costumes also did a magnificent job at portraying our beloved Founding Fathers. Each forefather wore a unique and different costume, one wore a scarlet red Bellamy shirt with an eggshell white trim while another wore a crisp white Bellamy shirt with a butterscotch trim. The costumes created a realistic and personal environment to truly immerse the audience in the performance.

Thanks to the spectacular maturity of Herndon's actors, many left feeling a deep personal connection to the stories they had witnessed. The message of We the People will be unforgettably seared into the minds of all.