Importance of Being Earnest “I do not approve of anything that tampers with natural ignorance. Ignorance is like a delicate exotic fruit; touch it and the bloom is gone.” Lady Bracknell’s comment is just one of the many witty and absurd opinions in Oscar Wilde’s highly entertaining play The Importance of Being Earnest, performed over Parents’ Weekend. “I’ve always wanted to do this play,” says director Helene Fifer. “This cast was amazing, learning many, many lines and pulling off the humor with complete restraint. This play is a comedy of manners, so it was important that the students master the accents, refine their diction and adopt a particular, restrained style of acting.” In the show, the protagonists take on fictional personas in order to escape the societal confines of Victorian England. There were quite a few interesting twists in this performance. The ever-comical Nick Auer ’11 plays the part of Lady Bracknell, complete with gloves, purse, wig and a dress. In addition, an impressive set design features a revolving stage
that moves the audience seamlessly from outdoor to indoor scenes. The gorgeous costumes show the long sleeves and high necklines of the late 19th century, helping to paint a picture of the formality and decorum of the times.
The talented cast also included Taft theater veterans Sara Guernsey ’11, Max Flath ’13, Jake Cohen ’11, Chris Browner ’12 and Caitlin Kennedy ’12 as well as newcomers Rebecca Karabus ’14, Tommy Robertshaw ’14 and Jordan Maia ’14.
n Caitlin Kennedy, Jake Cohen and Max Flath debate the importance of being “Ernest.” Andre Li ’11
Order in the Court
n Justice Flemming Norcott ’61 answers students’ questions in the faculty room after his talk. Yee-Fun Yin
Connecticut Supreme Court Justice Flemming Norcott ’61 came for a day as part of the Paley Lecture Series. Justice Norcott was nominated to the Superior Court in 1979 and was elevated to his current position as an associate justice of the state Supreme Court in 1992. “It’s an honor to host an alum who has reached such prominence in his career, whose life embodies our motto of service, and has so much to share,” said Headmaster Willy MacMullen. During Justice Norcott’s Morning Meeting talk, he reflected on his time at Taft 50 years ago, in particular the challenge of being one of the only African American students. Drawing inspiration from children’s
literature, Justice Norcott posed the same question the Wizard of Oz poses to Dorothy and her friends, “Who are you?” to emphasize how important it is for students to define themselves and use as a guide the lion’s search for courage, the scarecrow’s search for intelligence and the tin man’s search for compassion. Justice Norcott highlighted five lessons—put things in proper perspective, strive to change the world, make at least one solid friend, understand that life will be tough, and preach and practice love and tolerance. To hear Justice Norcott’s Morning Meeting talk, visit www.TaftSchool. org/students/meetings.aspx and scroll to March 1.
Taft Bulletin SPRING 2011 17