Two secret lovers embrace as the lights slowly black out leaving only their silhouettes and the sound of the storm rumbling on. A flash of lightning reveals an ominous shadow in the background which proceeds to walk through the door into the lovers’ room. This new silhouette raises a dagger and stabs the couple to death. Once the deed is done, a group of people run into the room to find the now lit up room in turmoil. The killer sits in a chair weeping, attempting to face the choice he has just made.

The One-Act cast performed  “Paolo and Francesca,” written by Don Nigro, at the high school on April 21 where I was lucky enough to be in attendance. Theater teacher Dave Yirak directed the play, with assistance from WTAMU student teacher Kylie Howell, teachers Laura Smith and Jamie Crosswhite. The cast was able to advance to area, marking their first time to do so in four years. There were a few individual awards that were earned at area. Senior Paige Stockton got honorable mention all-star cast along with junior Allison Koontz. Senior McKenzie Kuykendall got all-star cast.

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Unfortunately, the play is no longer being performed. The play is about a powerful man, named Giovanni, who is to be wed to a young girl named Francesca, who he has won from a far town in a war bargain. To show how much he really cares about her, Giovanni sends his brother named Paolo to retrieve her. The young girl and the brother hit it off immediately. Giovanni is unaware of the connection shared between the two, and on the night of their wedding, he forcibly tries to have his way with her. Francesca refuses and the Giovanni storms off in a rage. The next morning, Paolo is there to comfort her.

Later in the play, they begin an 11-year affair. In order for Giovanni not to discover that Francesca is pregnant with Paolo’s child, she must sleep with him. This goes on for many years and many more children are born that Giovanni believes to be his. However, one of the children, Antonia, sees Paolo and Francesca share a hug when they think no one is looking. The now old and crazy nurse who knew about the fling from the beginning confirms the child’s suspicions by telling her the whole story. Antonia confronts Giovanni who refuses to believe what he is told.

After questioning Paolo, who denies everything of course, Giovanni finds his brother and Francesca in bed together and proceeds to kill them with a dagger. The final scene puts the audience on the edge of their seat by a storm effectively brought onto stage.

The cast did a fantastic job and really made their characters believable. Koontz, who played Antonia, transitions from a sweet young child to an evil girl who has lost her innocence. Giovanni, who is supposed to be a powerful man used to getting his way, was well casted and brought to life by junior Ismael Granda.

Behind the scenes, the tech crew really tied the whole show together. The use of lighting was amazing and really came out in the final scene with the storm. Blue lights shining through a curtain, the silhouettes of Paolo and Francesca, and flashes of the light give the illusion of lighting which reveals Giovanni quietly creeping into the room. I have to say this was probably my favorite scene.

For those who are considering going to see the performance, I have a few warnings. It was important to note that the play I went and watched was a very cut down version of the original. The play performed at the school had two somewhat violent adult scenes which could make some people uncomfortable. If one was to go see the play somewhere else, the scenes would more than likely be much more graphic. I would not recommend taking children to the play.

However, the performance was still very enjoyable. The cast did a fantastic job. I would highly urge those who get an opportunity to catch the play elsewhere to seize the chance.