To the Cast of King Henry IV Part One | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

To the Cast of King Henry IV Part One

Anything can happen when you are a part of a company of players

Kate Weaver
Dec 19, 2016
Belmont Abbey
5
To the Cast of King Henry IV Part One
Rolando Rivas

November 20, 2016

Dear cast of Henry IV Part I,

I know it's been a while since we've all been together on that stage and in those moments, but some things about our company have been reoccurring in my mind. I truly miss all that we shared, and I am pleased to be able to look back with pride at what we accomplished.

If I may, I have some things to share with you and, especially to the rest of those reading this, about what it means to be a part of a company of players.

During the performances, I was often writing or reading something to make myself busy in between my scenes. I don't recall which night I wrote this poem, but the words are what matter.

We are a company of players.
A company that builds and builds
Toward an almost unreachable goal
If one member of this company
Falls
Then we will reach down
And pull him up again
Only after we have all fallen, too.

This poem reflects everything it means to be a part of a cast: no one can win unless everyone does, a reminder we all received every night from our director, Simon Donoghue. Even if you aren't a part of a theater, if you're a part of any team, this concept is just the same. We pull our fellow players back up, but we have to get down to where they have fallen to do so. No one can win unless we all do.

When on stage, anything can happen. It doesn't matter how glorious the previous performance was, or how terrible the show is running. Anything can happen: the show can turn from lousy to phenomenal in a moment; it can crash and burn without even so much of a hint. For these reasons, the product of good, really good theater is relying on the sheer will power and concentration of everyone involved. Taking on the challenge of focusing to the point of not thinking is where victory lies. To become so immersed in your character and the story is what allows the story to truly come to life.

That is one of the many reasons I keep coming back. I have a passion to work in community, and to work toward producing the best show you possibly can; to continue onward with the acceptance and awareness that no matter what, we are still a group of people who have harnessed the ability to tell a story in the most vulnerable way.

My heart is full of life for these memories that I have to look back on, and contemplate the whats and the whys and the hows. Theater has given me the insight to see life in a different way each day because, honestly, anything can happen.

To the cast of Henry IV and to all those reading this, I hope life is treating each of you well. Merry Christmas.

Always,

Frances McKinley

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

7 Experiences All Girls With Resting Bitch Face Have Had

The struggles of having an RBF are all too real

University of South Florida
1616
girl
Pexels

In case you're unaware, "resting bitch face" is the term used to describe when a person's natural, expressionless face makes it look like they are mad at the world. Whether they are walking down the street or simply spacing out thinking about what to eat for dinner, it's very easy for others to assume that this person is either upset or mad at them. Because of this, those of us with Resting Bitch Face (RBF), and especially us women, have all experienced many of the same situations and conversations, including:

Keep Reading...Show less
rbf
Entertainment

The Stages Of A Crush As Told By The Cast of "Bob's Burgers"

We all go through certain stages when we have a crush, Tina just explains it better.

Dean College
653
my heart just pooped its pants
Google

We've all had a crush before. Whether it leads to something or nothing, the process has all been the same. The awkward feelings, the stalking, and the stress of trying to keep this huge secret. The feeling of becoming a total spazz is something that cannot be avoided, and the most spazzy family that can relate to this feeling is the Belcher's.

Keep Reading...Show less
bobs burgers
Adulting

Adulting 101: In Sickness And In Self

Everybody hurts sometimes.

Georgia State University
533
you didnt come this far to only come this far lighted text
Photo by Drew Beamer on Unsplash

At the tender age of 18, we are bestowed with the title of “adult.” For 17 years, we live under the rules and guidelines of our parents, school, and government, and to stray from any of those rules or guidelines marks us as a rebel. At 18, though, we must choose which college we want to go to or what career we want. We are allowed and encouraged to vote. We can buy lottery tickets and cigarettes. We can drop out of school, leave our household, and do other "adult" things. At 18, we start down a path of thinking for ourselves, when for the entirety of our lives other institutions have been mandated to think and do for us.

Keep Reading...Show less
adulting
Student Life

25 Thoughts Everyone Has When Registering For Classes

May the odds be ever in your favor.

University of Nebraska Omaha
1257
university
University of Nebraska at Omaha

Creating your schedule for the upcoming semester can be an exciting process. You have the control to decide if you want to have class two-days a week or five-days a week. You get to check things off of your requirement checklist. It's an opportunity for a fresh start with new classes (which you tell yourself you'll never skip.) This process, which always starts out so optimistic, can get frustrating really quickly. Here are 25 thoughts you have when registering for classes.

Keep Reading...Show less
class registration
Student Life

10 Thoughts Of A 5th Year Senior

What about those of us who don't do it all in four years?

University of Kentucky
1701
college shirt
pointsincase.com

"College will be the best four years of your life" is a phrase that we have all heard growing up. College is painted as a magical place to us while we are in high school. A place you go to learn, meet your best friends and probably have the time of your life while all of this is going down. Four whirlwind years, where everything that you've known changes and you start to learn what it means to live on your own, have a job, etc. But what about those of us who don't do this all in four years? Major changes, hard courses, switching schools, career paths changing, these are just a handful of factors that could extend your four years to five, six or seven. There is nothing wrong with taking extra time to graduate, but returning as a fifth-year is a little different. Most of your best friends have most likely graduated and moved and while you may be one of the oldest undergraduates on campus, you might feel as awkward as a freshmen. A world that became home and comfortable to you is still there but it's slightly different than you've known it to be and you have to find a groove to fall into. These are thoughts you'll have as you look ahead to returning to your college campus, with a victory lap planned.

Keep Reading...Show less
senior year

Trending Topics

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments