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Mythic World of Nocturno Comes to Life at Joel Barlow February 28 and March 1

Mythic World of Nocturno Comes to Life at Joel Barlow February 28 and March 1

By Terri Jennings 
Redding, CTJoel Barlow High School’s
2014 winter show, “Still Life with Iris,” tells the story of 10-year-old Iris
as she searches to regain her memory and her home in the fictional world of
Nocturno. With
a magical setting, a great plot and a moving central message, “Still Life with
Iris” will entertain audiences of all ages. The show will run for two performances: Friday, February 28 at
8:00pm and Saturday, March 1 at 8:00pm.

 Nocturno is a place where all of the objects one can see during the day are made by its inhabitants at night while the rest of the world sleeps. The citizens of Nocturno retain their own personal memories within their beautiful coats, which need to be carefully maintained by Nocturno’s tailor, the Memory Mender. Without that coat, memory, and with it, personal identity, are in jeopardy.

 With echoes of “Alice in Wonderland” and “The Wizard of Oz,” the main character, Iris, is separated from her coat and has fallen victim to this condition. Katie Cowherd, who plays Iris, admires the determination and strength of this central character, noting that “Iris is driven by her love for her family to find herself and her way back home.”

 “Still Life with Iris” was the first play for young audiences to receive the prestigious Kennedy Center’s Fund for New American Plays Award. Director Diana Canova selected this work by playwright Steven Dietz to give the students the opportunity to showcase their talents. “I wanted good material which allowed me to expand the cast. I liked this play because it has humanity and humor. It gives the actors a chance at both comedy and drama,” Ms. Canova explained.

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 Performances will be held at the Joel Barlow High School’s Auditorium, 100 Black Rock Turnpike, Redding, CT. All tickets are $10 and will be sold at the door. There is no reserved seating. The show will also be Joel Barlow High School’s entry in the Connecticut Drama Association Festival competition, which takes place at E.O. Smith High School in Storrs-Mansfield on March 28 and 29.

 “Still Life with Iris”: play by Steven Dietz; Directed by Diana Canova. Cast members include Katie Cowherd, Becky Hermenze, Austin Jennings, Brooke Curto, Ellery Capshaw, Nini Constable, Justin Kipp, Shawn Burger, Corey Anderson, Isaac Losacco, Marisa Gregory, Blake Pritchard, Elizabeth Ashton, Lee Winters, Brendon Soodek, and Dylan Tonken.

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