2008 Woodie Awards
Holland makes directing debut in America
By: Jon Vick
Issue date: 2/7/07 Section: News
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Jon Vick
Staff Writer
David Holland, senior theater, made his directing debut with his take on the play The Complete History of America (abridged) on Jan.31-Feb. 2. Holland directed the play as his senior project, a requirement for the theater major.
There are some sentimental reasons for Holland's choice, The Complete History of America (abridged) was the play he and his now wife saw on their first date at The Warehouse theatre in downtown Greenville. The actual work on the play began last May, when it was proposed for senior project approval. Casting was completed the week after Thanksgiving, the three roles being played by Matthew Martinez, senior theater, Colton Guffey, junior Christian studies, and Chris Hecke, senior theater.
Preparation began for the performance with three rehearsals over Christmas break, and two hours of practice five days a week once the semester began.
"We only missed two days, a Thursday, and one Friday," said Holland.
The script itself called for some improvisation. "The script allows for a lot of creative freedom," said Hecke.
The production is a satirical tale of American history from Colombus' discovery in 1492, until the present day. Beginning with the national anthem sung two beats off, the first act covers the discovery of America all the way through to the Civil War and everything in between. Act two covers from World War I, up until present day, ending with the trio going back in time again. The play is satirical in nature and fun in observation. The script calls for up to date satire material, some of the jokes refer to Brittany Spears' driving, and the feud between Rose O'Donnell and Donald Trump. Holland's goal for the play was to "have people laugh at ourselves as Americans." All joking aside Holland wanted to get the message across to that "Our nation is not what we can trust, it is the Lord."
The three performances were well attended and enjoyed by the audiences. The 14 people, including all cast and crew, made the performance remarkable.
"They did a great job, I was able to just sit in my seat and enjoy the performance," said Holland.
Staff Writer
David Holland, senior theater, made his directing debut with his take on the play The Complete History of America (abridged) on Jan.31-Feb. 2. Holland directed the play as his senior project, a requirement for the theater major.
There are some sentimental reasons for Holland's choice, The Complete History of America (abridged) was the play he and his now wife saw on their first date at The Warehouse theatre in downtown Greenville. The actual work on the play began last May, when it was proposed for senior project approval. Casting was completed the week after Thanksgiving, the three roles being played by Matthew Martinez, senior theater, Colton Guffey, junior Christian studies, and Chris Hecke, senior theater.
Preparation began for the performance with three rehearsals over Christmas break, and two hours of practice five days a week once the semester began.
"We only missed two days, a Thursday, and one Friday," said Holland.
The script itself called for some improvisation. "The script allows for a lot of creative freedom," said Hecke.
The production is a satirical tale of American history from Colombus' discovery in 1492, until the present day. Beginning with the national anthem sung two beats off, the first act covers the discovery of America all the way through to the Civil War and everything in between. Act two covers from World War I, up until present day, ending with the trio going back in time again. The play is satirical in nature and fun in observation. The script calls for up to date satire material, some of the jokes refer to Brittany Spears' driving, and the feud between Rose O'Donnell and Donald Trump. Holland's goal for the play was to "have people laugh at ourselves as Americans." All joking aside Holland wanted to get the message across to that "Our nation is not what we can trust, it is the Lord."
The three performances were well attended and enjoyed by the audiences. The 14 people, including all cast and crew, made the performance remarkable.
"They did a great job, I was able to just sit in my seat and enjoy the performance," said Holland.
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