When talented alumna Elisabeth Sutherland '13 started her Summer Shakespeare Workshop project in Ghana, I couldn't resist. Unfortunately, my father could.
So I didn't get to be a part of the program's first summer. However, I was able to go this past summer-and I would go again. This type of work attracted me because I absolutely love the power of theater and the benefit of traveling. There is absolutely nothing that builds confidence like creating something and having people appreciate it along side the achievement of understanding and conveying Shakespeare's challenging language. The opportunity to give that experience to youth is something I could not have refused.
Essentially, the Summer Shakespeare Workshop is working with people to put up a production of a new Shakespeare play every summer. This summer, the production was "Comedy of Errors" and the participants ranged from the ages of 12 to 20. A lot of what I was doing included stage-managing, building sets, and teaching participants and some visitors about designing and building a set. I also held workshops to help actors develop their talents and performances.
I loved my job. It has a great resemblance to the Shakespeare classes here at DePauw taught by Amy Hayes and Gigi Jennewein Fenlon. The work I did was so much fun and very rewarding. By the actual performance day the kids called me "Auntie Felicia." It was truly an honor to be considered someone they respected, trusted and loved. There were so many different positive experiences in Ghana: at work, outside of work, meeting artists, eating new foods. I feel like I have truly been blessed and have enriched through this experience. There are so many stories: I can't choose just one that really encapsulates my experience and the way it has affected me.
I would recommend this opportunity for everyone who is truly interested in working, embracing another culture, being open minded and willing to grow in their personal and professional development.
This opportunity was extremely important to me. It really did solidify how tiny I was in this world and how much I have to learn, but also what I want to do with my life. Going to Ghana was such a pivotal point in my life. It was as if everything fell into place; I made sense of my past and my hopes for the future.