Oak Forest HS Group Interpretation Cast Members Earn Honors

Congratulations to the Oak Forest High School Group Interpretation cast of George Orwell’s 1984, which they recently prepared and presented at their South Suburban Conference Meet and Sectional Tournament. Each tournament names its best actors and OFHS had many members of the cast represented in this cast.

At the South Suburban Conference Tournament, held on March 10, (l to r) Emily Marcheschi who played Parsons, Ema Kester who played Julia, Jake Kamper who played Winston Smith, Canyon Novick who played O’Brien, and Millicent McMahon who played the Landlady were named to the All-Conference Cast.

At the Sectional Tournament, held on March 17, (l to r) Ema Kester who played Julia, Jake Kamper who played Winston Smith, Millicent McMahon who played the Landlady and Canyon Novick who played O’Brien, were named to the All-Sectional Cast.

“I was over-the-roof excited for the cast members who got selected for both the All-Conference Cast and the All-Sectional Cast. I am proud of all of my Group Interpretation cast members, but these All-Conference and All-Sectional cast members really rose to the occassion and displayed spirit, emotion, and energy, so much so that the judges HAD to reward their efforts. I am so proud of these cast members and cannot wait for next season to begin!” said Oak Forest High School Group Interpretation Director Cheryl Harris-Sumida.

The Group Interpretation cast was very happy with their efforts. By nature, a group interpretation play is very cooperative in nature and the cast works together to stage it and work out dialogue for the characters. The OFHS GI Cast even had the daunting task of cutting George Orwell’s book 1984 down to a thirty minute play, something that would be difficult for even the most experienced wordsmiths.

“A special part of this process should be credited to my student assistant director, [OFHS Senior] Shaina Spinks. She spent many hours envisioning the blocking for the play and working hard with the cast members. I admire her diplomacy and tact and most of all, professioinalism, in working with her fellow students,” said Harris-Sumida.

The group interpretation cast members of George Orwell’s 1984 were: Jake Kamper (Winston Smith), Breanne Horvath (Symes), Emily Marcheschi (Parsons), Canyon Novick (O’Brien) Ema Kester (Julia), Eian Tapia (Goldstein), Millicent McMahon (Landlady), Chris Jackowiak (Loudspeaker), Alyssa Ryan (Calisthenics Instructor/Guard), Molly Kiley (Secretary), Maddie McErlean and Amy Oberhart (Big Brother), Shaina Spinks (Student Assistant Director).