Hempstead High School Theatre Co. is breaking a 10-year drought and returning to the state UIL One Act Play stage with their powerful production of Oedipus El Rey. The play is directed by Hempstead High School Theatre Director, Gabriel Arias, who was a student in the last production that won the state competition. It was Spring 2013 when Arias and his castmates wowed the judges in Austin, Texas during their production of Black Angel. Now he will return to Austin with his theatre students ten years later.
Oedipus El Rey tells the story of Oedipus, a man approaching the end of a lengthy prison sentence who is ready to taste his long-awaited freedom. However, life on the outside proves to be its own kind of prison ruled by a cruel and violent fate. The play offers a critical analysis of contemporary institutions, societal constraints, and the transformative potential of storytelling for those daring enough to challenge the higher powers of our era.
Hempstead HS Theatre Co. has not advanced to regionals or state in ten years, making this accomplishment all the more meaningful for the students and director.
Arias expressed his excitement, saying, "I am so fortunate to have a group of students who are hungry for success, and I’m thrilled that they get to experience something so magical like I did when I was their age."
Lead cast members and Hempstead High School juniors Jesus Montero-Oliva and Anayanzeth Salinas-Vargas also shared their excitement and growth during the process.
"Through this experience, I've learned that while talent may be a gift, it's hard work and dedication that truly sets you apart and propels you to greatness," Montero-Oliva said. Salinas-Vargas added, "Honestly, I’m still speechless because going to state was the goal for so long. It’s still so surreal to me. This has become my second family."
Arias explained that the students have not only grown as artists but also personally throughout this process. Many of them have found similarities to the characters on stage and have found a personal connection with the story.
“The play has taught them to walk a mile in someone else's shoes before judging someone based on societal standards,” Arias said.
The award-winning production has already received both group and individual awards this season.
Wimberly Festival
Honorable Mention - Anayanzeth Salinas- Vargas (Jocasta), Jonathan Carranza (Tiresias)
All Star Cast - Victor Grijalva (Creon)
Best Performer - Jesus Montero- Oliva (Oedipus)
District
All Star Tech - Jocelyn Vargas
Best Technician - Eric Ramirez
Best Technical Crew
Honorable Mention - Jonathan Carranza (Tiresias)
All Star Cast - Anayanzeth Salinas-Vargas (Jocasta) and Victor Grijalava (Creon)
Best Performer - Jesus Montero-Oliva (Oedipus)
Advancing School
Bi-District
All Star Tech - Eric Ramirez
All Star Cast - Jonathan Carranza (Teresias) and Anayanzeth Salinas-Vargas (Jocasta)
Best Performer - Jesus Montero-Oliva (Oedipus)
Advancing School
Area
All Star Tech - Eric Ramirez
Honorable Mention - Joseph Apodaca (Creon)
All Star Cast - Anayanzeth Salinas-Vargas (Jocasta)
Best Performer - Jesus Montero-Oliva (Creon)
Advancing School
Region
Honorable Mention - Jonathan Carranza (Teresias)
All Star Cast - Joseph Apodaca (Creon)
Best Performer - Jesus Montero-Oliva (Oedipus)
Advancing School
Overall, the Hempstead High School Theatre Co. students have shown their talent, dedication, and growth with their production of Oedipus El Rey. The play's examination of modern institutions and social barriers is timely and thought-provoking, and the student's hard work has paid off with their advancement to the state competition.
The UIL One Act Play State Meet will take place May 4-6, in Austin. Oedipus El Rey is slated for the 3A Session II OAP beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 6, in the Austin ISD Performing Arts Center. Tickets for State One Act Play will be available for purchase online in advance or on the day of the contest. Tickets will be through online ticketing only, you will not be able to make cash or check ticket purchases. For more information about the state meet visit www.uiltexas.org/theatre/state.
If you are unable to travel to Austin, Hempstead Theatre Co. will present their state qualifying UIL One Act Play, Oedipus El Rey, at 7 p.m. on May 12-13, 2023, in the Hempstead High School Auditorium. Presale tickets are $7. Presale tickets can be purchased from Gabriel Arias or a Hempstead High School theatre student the week of the show. Student and staff tickets are $5 and adult tickets are $10.
