Every school year, the UHS Drama Department puts on its annual fall play. This year, drama teacher Chris Douthit selected Babette’s Feast, a show filled with laughs, history, and fun. The play is based on a short story written by Isak Dinesen, which in 1987 was adapted into the classic film of the same name. Set in the 1800s in Norway, it’s a story about two sisters, Martine and Philippa, who take in a mysterious refugee from France named Babette. The play displays the change that occurs due to Babette’s generosity and grace, which uplifts the community.
Douthit shared a story with UHS News regarding what inspired him to put on this performance: “When I was in college, at Humboldt University, I took a class about religion in film and we watched the film version of Babette’s Feast.” He reminisced about the play, saying, “It really stuck with me, because the story was so moving and strange, so when I saw it was a play, I wanted to put it on.” We asked Douthit about his favorite part of directing this show, and he shared, “The thing I enjoy about doing every play is that it is a collaborative process, but the particular thing I enjoyed about this show was designing and dressing the set.”
He concluded by expressing his gratitude towards the district for covering all ticket prices. “I really appreciate that Ukiah Unified underwrote our show so it can be free for community members and students.”
Junior, Kira Douthit, who plays Babette, told UHS News that her favorite part of playing her character was learning how to do a French accent. Kira shared, “I have been acting for a long time, and it’s not often I get to learn something that I have never done before.” She acknowledges the challenge that comes with the character: “Learning a French accent was a challenge that I enjoyed, and I’ll be able to use this skill in future acting.”
Senior, Irie Wagar’s character is unique in this performance because she plays multiple characters within the show. She explained, “The player I got is very versatile. I had lots of costume changes and came out as different characters a lot on stage.” She concludes, “It was fun because I got to be creative with my character and do whatever I wanted, which I don’t get to do often.”
Junior, Athena Marino DeFrates, who portrays Phillippa, describes her favorite part of her role: “My favorite part is probably her kind of snotty attitude. She’s kind of arrogant, and I think it’s because she has this younger sister-like vibe to her.” DeFrates continues by describing a fear she overcame: “I had this fear of singing on stage, and I had to push past that to play this role.”
DeFrates gives her perspective on the community that was built within the play, stating, “Everybody’s super sweet, and I think that’s what I like most about the play is the people and the new experiences we get to have together.”
Join us for the last three performances TONIGHT, Friday, and Saturday, all at 7 PM! All shows are held at Ukiah High School’s Little Theater and ARE FREE. Come support your local Wildcats!
Savannah Kram
Savannah Kram is a junior at Ukiah High School and in her second year of Journalism. She is involved in the Drama department, in her third year. She is a pretty involved student, now taking on Speech and Debate this school year. She joined the journalism class for new experiences, to write about local and current events, and to bring awareness to subjects that have yet to be shown under the spotlight. She was born in Ukiah, California raised in a different state, being back here made her more inspired to become more involved within the Ukiah community. She is ecstatic to continue her journey at Ukiah High News this school year and hopefully continue in journalism in the future.