Cappies Review: 'The Seagull Project At Bishop Ireton High School

By Madison Shannon of Oakton High School

Where do '80s coming-of-age films, apparitions, and dead birds find a common home? In Bishop Ireton's "The Seagull Project," of course!

The students of Bishop Ireton were given the opportunity to create short films based on Anton Chekhov's "The Seagull," and their creations were made into "The Seagull Project." The show features characters from Chekhov's piece, as well as some of the connections shared between them. Each scene, however, tells its own tale; with three contrasting stories full of unique plots but familiar characters, Bishop Ireton has created a marvel of a film that demands attention.

In "The Homework Club," an endearing coming-of-age film featuring four high school girls made connections to not only "The Seagull," but familiar films such as "The Breakfast Club." Sophia Webster, Hallie Crawford, Jasmine Williams, and Charlotte Benson play Simone, Bridget, Masha, and Nina, and created an ensemble of great strength. They shared moments of great joy and friendship as well as moments of brutal honesty and vulnerability, conveying a very truthful representation of the teenage years. The cinematography by Cory Crawford was phenomenal and extremely professional, aiding in the story's strong connections to '80s movies. Costumes by JJ DeNunzio gave each of the four girls a strong sense of individuality and creativity.

"Apa," created and executed by Gabby Pamor, was haunting, and featured two characters, Ryn and Apa, both played by Pamor. Apa, which is short for apparition, created an idea of a woman being haunted by herself. The scene was a testament to Pamor's immense talent, both in front of, and behind, the camera. This short story was one to behold for many reasons, all of which can be brought back to Pamor.

Finally, "Dead Seagull" completed the multipart film with a bang, providing a comedic romance full of twists and turns. The writing by Maya Andersen was extraordinary, featuring very formal speech to convey very modern themes. Andersen also played both Nina and the Seagull alongside Kip Sisel, who played Constantine. The two's constant push and pull was hilarious in its extremities, winding up with Sisel in a seagull costume.

"The Seagull Project" evoked a variety of emotions and proved the intelligence and creativity of the students involved. Though it was a whirlwind of laughs, thoughtfulness, and love, the film tied together to create one masterpiece that simply cannot be missed or forgotten.

The three short films can be viewed at:

• https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Rhro24ZleYRuS7u0xZ-DdcSIB7-J6i75/view
• https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BgyVznfa-yml-oSexkFKYJhOzwI7Xny2/view
• https://drive.google.com/file/d/13VAz-3ApD2CvCyV1BBycWjLqFQ7x4vCp/view