The 146 Point Flame
By Matt Thompson
Raymond Central High School, 2022
NSAA Capitol Conference Runner-Up, 2022
Cast: Mady Ayres, Gabe Benesh, Ariana Ceja, Addison Kotas, Josie Lahm, Alyssa Monnier, Kayla Tran, Barrett Walahoski, Kelsea Walker, Ellerie White
This piece is based on the historic 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in New York City. Through words, movement and music, four young women share their dreams, thoughts, fears and feelings about their ultimate destinies. An Italian immigrant, Vincenza, shares her last night on Earth with romance, smiles and dancing. Tessa celebrates her life with a story about her brother and mother. Sisters Lena and Yetta meditate on the strength and endurance of moving from Russia to America and the parallels of moving from life to the afterlife. Touching and poetic, this piece illuminates the definition of human courage.