Living in her shoes
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| Jessica Galang and Sam Bennett practice for this weekend’s performance of Diary of Anne Frank at Morris Community High School. (Herald Photo by Heidi Terry-Litchfield) |
Jessica Galang fulfilled a goal when she landed the starring role in Morris Community High School’s fall play “The Diary of Anne Frank.”
Galang, a senior, took a moment to share her thoughts about the impassioned drama that the MCHS students will be performing this weekend.
How does this role compare to past roles?
It’s very different. I’ve played really intense characters that are evil and controlling. This character has independent thoughts and goes about things in a better way.
Are you like your character in any respect?
We have a lot of likenesses. She has big dreams of being famous. I want to do things that are out of reach to others, just like she did. I would like to be more like her when it comes to her actions. She is less afraid to be immature and bubbly.
What have you learned with this role?
I’ve learned you can’t understand something until you’ve been through it. I’ve also learned understanding of other people more. She taught me self expression. She thought nothing would come out of her writing but it’s been miraculous.
What is the most difficult part of playing this character?
The most difficult is to understand is her position. I’ve never been trapped in an annex or anywhere. I’ve never had to make a family. She’s much more courageous than I am I think.
What was the easiest part of playing this character?
Relating to family members. She got along with her family members like I get along with my sister, mother and father.
Have you ever read The Diary of Anne Frank?
I hadn’t read the entire diary. I had studied it in fourth grade and have learned about the Holocaust every year in school. I had knowledge of what they were hiding from.
How did it feel when you learned you got the part of Anne Frank?
It was the best feeling in the world. I had been worried, but when I saw my name on the list I was elated. My goal for high school was to have a lead part in a play. I felt very fulfilled.
Do you want to pursue acting after high school?
Acting is my favorite thing in the whole world. I don’t know whether I would rather do stage or movies. I think either would be amazing.
Why should people come to see the performance?
Their story needs to be told. It’s amazing what they went through, they made a life despite fear. If people can come to this play and can picture or see what they went through, then they can see that in the world today and make a difference.
When it comes to a story, read the book or watch the movie?
Read the book.
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