The Blue Hour: A Student-Directed Short Play

Last Friday, Blake High School’s students’ theater program put on an unforgettable production of “The Blue Hour” by Emily Hageman. Directed by Paul Zulueta, the play explored complex themes of grief, relationships, and self-discovery, delivering a raw and emotional experience for both the cast and the audience.

Set in a small, close-knit community, “The Blue Hour” follows the intertwined lives of its characters as they navigate personal losses, fractured relationships, and the complexities of finding hope amidst darkness. The story delves into the vulnerabilities and strengths of each character, offering a heartfelt exploration of grief, friendship, and the resilience of the human spirit. With moments of humor and heartbreak, the play reflects the universal journey of facing challenges and coming together to heal.

Zulueta, a senior here at Blake High School, chose this poignant play as his directorial debut. “What inspired me to direct this play was it had a deeper focus and a look at the feelings of each character,” Zulueta shared. “I wanted to bring that emotional depth to life and challenge the cast to connect with their roles in a personal way.” Despite being a younger director, Zulueta brought a level of maturity and vision that resonated throughout the production.

The cast poured their hearts into their performances, creating relatable and genuine portrayals of their characters. Rachel Smith, who played a lighthearted and spirited character, reflected on her role, saying, “My character was more playful, and I felt like I could really relate to her.” Barrett Emory, another cast member, connected deeply with their role, drawing from personal experiences to enhance their performance. “I resonated with my character because of a hamster death they experienced.” That emotion added a layer of authenticity to my performance and helped me connect with the audience.  Suad Abdella, known around the school for their iconic collection of cool hats, added both personality and style to the process.

Blake High School’s theater teacher, Mr. Kelley, provided unwavering support to the production and brought his experience as a former actor to the process. “I’ve been teaching for 19 years and teaching theater for two years, and I can confidently say the students in this program are some of the coolest people in the school,” Kelley said. “Their passion and creativity make every production something truly special.”

The production of “The Blue Hour” was more than just a performance, it was a powerful exploration of storytelling, emotion, and connection. The play’s themes of resilience and hope resonated with the audience, leaving many smiles on their faces. As the curtain closed on Friday’s performance, the applause was a testament to the dedication, teamwork, and passion of everyone involved. “The Blue Hour” was not only a theatrical triumph but also a reminder of the transformative power of student-led art at Blake High School. The play’s success has set a high standard for future productions, and audiences are eager to see what the theater program will create next.