December 15, 2006

Cadwallader students perform Shakespeare

By Dona Nichols
Special to the Times

More than 30 children of Cadwallader Elementary School performed in the Midnight Shakespeare productions of “Julius Caesar” and “As You Like It.”

Cassius (Alexis Nichols) looks over the dead body of Julius Caesar (Ryan Cabral). Brutus (Michael Reynoso) and Decius Brutus (Marcus Flores) with the sword took turns in killing Caesar. Photos by Dona Nichols

Fourth, fifth and sixth graders who completed the 10-week program received a $50 check for their performance along with a copy of Shakespeare’s complete works.

Even though Midnight Shakespeare has been bringing its after-school program to Cadwallader for five years, only two students were returning veterans. Alexis Nichols, 11, is a three-time veteran who played the lead role of Cassius in “Julius Caesar.” Gurpreet Bhoot, 11, returned for a second year of Shakespeare by playing two roles, one of Silvius, a shepherd, and as one of the lords in exile in the Forest of Arden in “As You Like It.”

Cadwallader principal, Denise Williams, was quick to point out the level of commitment required to participate in the Shakespeare program.

“It’s a quite different language and a huge extension of their school day,” Williams said. “We have second language learners up there with the GATE kids. Even the students who are below grade level excel because it taps into a different type of learning.”

Dilly Bhoot, who was a parent volunteer, said, “We saw a big difference this year. We had some of the shy kids who normally wouldn’t come out. We saw their essence and they really shined out.”

Rebecca Ennals is the Midnight Shakespeare director. Christina Stankovich designed the costumes and Michael Craig Storm directed the fights.

“Julius Caesar” starred Alexis Nichols, Margarita Arias, Mariah Cabral, Denise Herrera, Ryan Cabral, Michael Reynoso, Marcus Flores, Catherine Westmoreland, Robert Rodriguez and Alyssa Santiago.

The cast of “As you Like It,” starred Jocelyn Perez, Xiomara Ramirez, Sophia Gil, Ernie Martinez, Caitlin Mayo, Anna Perez, Katherine Martinez, Michael Heffernan, Gurpreet Bhoot, Ernie Martinez, Taylor Rousseu, Katherine Martinez, Athena Westmoreland and Maitree Shah.

Some of the same kids who were in the Dec. 1 productions of “As You Like It” and “Julius Caesar” at Cadwallader will return in summer for the Shakespeare summer camps. The Shakespeare camp was held at Santa Clara University last summer and is in search of a downtown San Jose site for next summer.

Shakespeare summer camp is open to all children. For more information call (800) 978-PLAY.