Eden Prairie High School stages ‘Animal Farm’ May 1-3

What happens when nobody speaks up against abuse of power? Eden Prairie High School (EPHS) Drama will explore this theme during their upcoming production of “Animal Farm,” an adaptation of George Orwell’s novel by Blake Royals.

Shows will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 1, Friday, May 2, and Saturday, May 3, in the EPHS auditorium. Tickets are available at GoFan.co. Adult admission is $7; students and senior citizens are $5.

This new adaptation of George Orwell’s “Animal Farm” was written by Royals only months ago. It features the work of 24 young actors and numerous student designers, technicians, and artists.

Christopher Kent, the show’s director, said, “This story is as relevant as it was when it was written, serving as a cautionary reminder of the misuse of power and what happens when no one speaks up against it.”

While the characters are animals, in this adaptation, they look and act like people. This farm also could exist anywhere, Kent said, underscoring the universality of the theme.

Praising the students involved in creating the show, Kent said, “These artists have worked hard to take a complicated script, full of time jumps, choreographed movement, and a myriad of technical elements, and present a piece that is powerful and engaging.”

He noted the importance of art as an avenue for young people to express their feelings and opinions on vital societal issues. “This generation has a lot to say about the world today, and this process has allowed them an opportunity to add their voice to the conversation,” Kent said. “It’s something to see.”