This Amazing School Play Of ‘Alien’ Had No Budget And Used Trash To Make Costumes
Many people say that kids are the future and it’s hard to disagree when they show how truly creative, innovative and dedicated they are. New Jersey’s North Bergen High School drama club students recently proved that when they performed their own take on the 1979 science fiction horror classic Alien. The group turned Ridley Scott’s masterpiece into a stage play that was performed only twice, on March 19 and 22, 2019.
This high school drama club turned 1979 ‘Alien’ into a school play
Image credits: oh_pollo
As images of the play surfaced on the internet, people’s interest increased and the snaps, as well as footage, were shared on such platforms as Twitter and Reddit. People were not only impressed by the club’s decision to turn the 1979 film into a play but also how impressive the props and the scenes (like the facehugger one) were.
Image credits: Fueledbyjelaa
Turns out, the xenomorph suit, as well as other costumes, were made by recycling various materials. The art director and teacher, Steven Defendini often sifts through garbage to recycle someone’s trash into truly impressive DIY projects. As his girlfriend reported on Twitter, the funding for the school’s district was cut some years ago, forcing to find other means to make things like this stage play happen.
Image credits: oh_pollo
Fortunately, instead of brooding over the unfortunate funding situation, Steven uses this as a perfect opportunity to inspire his students to adapt and overcome by being resourceful and creative. Luckily, the drama club kids sure don’t lack creativity as the play shows.
Image credits: oh_pollo
They even filmed a pretty impressive trailer for their two shows, showcasing the cast and the setting of the play. The information on the trailer reports that the tickets to the show cost a respectable amount of $5.
Image credits: lucario2001jp9
One of the students involved in the after-school activities, Justin Pierson, took to Reddit to answer some questions, commenting on the special effects as well as how they managed to pull the play off. “The chest burster has someone underneath the table,” he explained. “There’s a separate person who wears a fake head for Ash attack the others. And there’s someone inside one of the eggs holding a facehugger and throws it at the person playing Kane” the student elaborated on the details.
Image credits: defendinisart
As for why the club chose ‘Alien’ for their production, there were a few reasons for it. “I believe the idea spurred up because the teacher in charge of the entire operation, Mr. Cuervo, saw a failed production and it being the 40th anniversary,” Justin told Bored Panda. “I think everyone’s reaction to it being Alien was similar to mine where I was just like “That’s crazy. How are they pulling this off?” he recalled his colleague and his reaction to the announcement of the idea.
Image credits: Perfecto Cuervo
“Unfortunately there are many people assuming that we are from Bergen County and are extremely rich” Pierson added, addressing the production costs. With no budget, the students only had motivation and creativity to work with, and they definitely pulled it off. “Kids are extremely motivated and passionate about what they are doing” the student concluded.
Image credits: nbhs
“The people were blown away. There were a lot of gasps and “awes” in the audience on opening night.” Justin commented on how the audience reacted to their production and the massive set they’ve constructed from garbage. “Then on the second night, people came […] just to see it again,” he reported.
Image credits: Fueledbyjelaa
Image credits: Fueledbyjelaa
Image credits: defendinisart
Watch the trailer of the play below
People on the internet responded with their support
Image credits: StarvingHamster
Image credits: donttrythis
Image credits: ValerieSprague
Image credits: stcvebarnes
Image credits: oh_pollo
Image credits: andrewturnb
Image credits: pascalblanche
Image credits: MrDavidFisher
Image credits: realaaronrice
64Kviews
Share on Facebook
I so wish I could see this! "Aliens" and "Alien" are my favorite, in that order. Also, if you haven't seen "AvP Requiem" (Alien vs Predator: story based in Anarctica) you definitely should. But I would love to see this play. They should put it on again. Did they tape it? YouTube is calling!
Ok, if they put the whole thing up on YouTube to rent, I'd totally rent this. Wish NJ wasn't so far away!
This is a perfect example of why creativity and gumption is more important than money. I bet the production wouldn't have been as half as awesome if they had a big budget. It also stirred the passion in the kids and made them work harder. Love this.
If they wrote their own stageplay adaptation of the screenplay then there wouldn't be any rights management involved. Licensing fees only apply to unaltered-works. Think of it as fan-fiction.
Load More Replies... I so wish I could see this! "Aliens" and "Alien" are my favorite, in that order. Also, if you haven't seen "AvP Requiem" (Alien vs Predator: story based in Anarctica) you definitely should. But I would love to see this play. They should put it on again. Did they tape it? YouTube is calling!
Ok, if they put the whole thing up on YouTube to rent, I'd totally rent this. Wish NJ wasn't so far away!
This is a perfect example of why creativity and gumption is more important than money. I bet the production wouldn't have been as half as awesome if they had a big budget. It also stirred the passion in the kids and made them work harder. Love this.
If they wrote their own stageplay adaptation of the screenplay then there wouldn't be any rights management involved. Licensing fees only apply to unaltered-works. Think of it as fan-fiction.
Load More Replies...
204
36