The 9/11 terrorist attack is one of the most frightening moments in all of US history. However, current CHS students are unlikely to recall the occasion. CHS Theatre aims to bring these critical events into our minds. This December, the CHS Theatre department presents “110 Stories,” a docu-drama describing first-hand accounts of those who experienced the events of the fall of the twin towers. The play will be exhibited on Dec. 15 and 16 at 7:30 p.m. in the CHS Theatre.
The play describes events from the first crash of the American Airlines Flight against the North Tower, to ground zero, where the World Trade Center previously stood, with several different takes on the event. The play aims to open up the untold stories of a multitude of people who both helped save lives. The play includes the accounts of a mother, photojournalist, ironworker, chiropractor and homeless man during the time. “110 Stories” illustrates the whirlwind of emotions throughout the experience, as well as the great indefatigability that the people of New York faced that day. However, most importantly, the play seeks to demonstrate the kindness inside of everyone through such tragic historical event.
The director of CHS Theatre, Krista Elhai, feels the play will be special not just because of the message but because of the powerful emotions, it can provoke.
“Their unflinching, freaked-out and occasionally funny accounts take us back to when 9/11 was unimaginable, capturing the shock and horror of the day as well as the resilience of New York City in its aftermath,” Elhai said.
Several students are also very enthusiastic about acting in the play. Sophomore Liam Geary plays Bob Deming, a father and chaplain for the 9/11 recovery effort. Geary is mostly anticipating about the how the play will portray those involved in the attacks.
“I interpret this play as a memorial, paying tribute to the victims of 9/11, and in the second act, specifically towards the men and women involved in the recovery effort,” Geary said.
Geary is also adamant about the emphasis placed on the inclusion of more identifiable characters in the play. He feels the idea of a more realistic approach is what truly makes the play stand out and distinguish itself from others.
“I think this play successfully humanizes the characters in the story, who we immortalize in our heads, which distances us from a situation which is all too real for many Americans,” Geary said.
Another cast member who is passionate about the play’s message is sophomore Shawn Clayton. Clayton plays Lou Trazino, a man who watched the planes crash with his daughter at school. Although Trazino was not in the World Trade Center at that particular moment, he experienced the significant loss throughout the incident and was a resident who was very intimately involved with those affected by it. Clayton feels this play is important because it sheds light on the untold stories of 9/11, which makes it all the more compelling.
“110 Stories represents plays that were not on the news, but rather, the more relatable, everyday residents who were affected by the lost lives,” Clayton said. “This play is not only a great remembrance of the event but something that can bring a community together.”
“I think this play successfully humanizes the characters in the story, who we immortalize in our heads, which distances us from a situation which is all too real for many Americans,” Geary said.
With the combination of many powerful events, a cast of relatable characters, and a unique approach that defies the conventions of most high school plays, “110 Stories” aims to capture the attention of the CHS community. CHS students can purchase tickets now to learn in a unique way about this critical moment in American history.