To the Editor:

On Dec. 7, the Wareham High School Art Department and 42 students boarded a bus to see J.M. Barrie’s beloved play, "Peter Pan," as it has never before been seen.  The play featured puppetry, music, acrobatics, and an incredible fusion of original theater styles and modern cinematography, all performed on the world’s first 360-degree CGI theatre set. 

Students reacted to the sight of the tent on City Hall Plaza in Boston with excitement.  The anticipation of the event along with the sight of a big top tent was reminiscent of a traveling circus. 

One student, Emma Stratton, had this to say about the experience, “Upon arriving at the performance, I was immediately stricken by a feeling of nostalgia – both for the familiar circus tent environment, and the wonderful youthful story of 'Peter Pan.’  From the moment the story began, the tears started forming in my eyes.  The use of recycled props was superb, as were the 3D effects.  I felt like I was flying along with Peter and Wendy, as I had once dreamed of doing as a child.  Even the torrential downpour of rain outside couldn’t dampen our spirits.  It may have even added to the world of theater that we had been pulled into.”

For Emma and 41 other students, this experience would not have been possible without a grant from the Foundation for Wareham Education.  Enrichment opportunities require funding and, because of that, students often go without.  However, the Foundation for Wareham Education recognizes that the value of such activities far surpasses the monetary price tag.  

Students were able to make cross-curricular connections as they learned more about the culture of the society during J.M. Barrie’s lifetime.  In contrast, today’s advancements in technology allowed students to experience Barrie’s story in a way he could never dream possible.  Also, students relate to the story as they consider their own emergence from childhood to adulthood. 

Events such as this one are made possible through the efforts of Foundation to raise funds that may then be awarded to deserving projects. 

In the end, the objective of this event was to expose students to the idea that art, in all its forms, evolves.  Just as J.M. Barrie’s play was constantly evolving in his lifetime, it continues to evolve in ours.  It is inherent in the creative process to work with what is historical and make it relevant and alive for each audience.  Viewing the work of a playwright who first debuted this production back in December of 1904, afforded students the opportunity to see how the arts are timeless, and for some students, it allowed them to garner ideas from another discipline in their search to develop their own visual repertoire.

Amy Dion

Wareham High School