The company performed at Brocton Central School on March 12.
The Department of Theatre and Dance took its production of “Alicia’s Lens” on tour in Chautauqua County in March.
“Alicia’s Lens,” devised by the Fredonia Young Company, follows the journey of a determined photographer striving to complete a photo series for an upcoming exhibition in a prestigious gallery. The play is inspired by the classic Lewis Carroll novel “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland”
The Fredonia Young Company performed before more than 270 students and faculty at Brocton Central Middle/ High School on March 12.
“Following the show, we held a talkback session, where we thoroughly enjoyed engaging with several students,” said Director Nestor Bravo Goldsmith, who is an associate professor of Theatre Arts. “It was a meaningful exchange for everyone involved, offering insights and reflections on the performance.”
On March 28, the company presented its production at the Forestville Central Middle/High School for more than 150 students and faculty.
“We are truly grateful for the warm welcome, hospitality, and support from the students, school staff, and Principal Daniel Grande,” Goldsmith said.
There was also a March 13 performance at the Unitarian Universalist Church on Temple Street in Fredonia.
“Alicia’s Lens” originally ran rom March 6 to 9 in Bartlett Theatre at Fredonia as part of the Walter Gloor Mainstage Series.
“By bringing the production into schools and community spaces, we hoped not only to entertain but also to spark meaningful conversations and inspire a deeper appreciation for theatre’s power to reflect personal and shared experiences,” Goldsmith said.
While the Department of Theatre and Dance has taken its productions to area elementary schools before, this marked the first time it has done so at the middle and high school level.
“This year marked a significant milestone,” Goldsmith said. “This decision was driven by our commitment to engaging older students with complex themes of self-discovery, artistic growth, and personal loss — topics that resonate deeply with high school audiences. Additionally, we see this tour as an opportunity to strengthen our connection with the local community and expand access to live theatre for young people.”
The director explained this tour provided “invaluable hands-on experience for B.A. Theatre students specializing in acting, design, stage management, and directing.”
“By adapting their work to different performance spaces, engaging with diverse audiences, and managing the logistical challenges of a touring production, they gain practical skills that extend beyond the classroom,” Goldsmith said. “This firsthand experience reinforces the importance of making theatre accessible while preparing students for the realities of professional theatre-making.”
Goldsmith thinks the production carried special meaning for high school-aged audiences.
“In an age where we — especially young people — constantly shift between digital and physical realities, Alicia’s struggle to find authenticity and truth feels particularly relevant,” he said. “A pivotal element in Alicia’s journey is the iris shutter, a large installation she designed based on her analogue camera. This device serves as both a literal and metaphorical gateway, allowing Alicia to cross into the other side, where she confronts deeper truths about herself. The wise and mysterious Caterpillar’s question — “Who are you?” — invites each audience member to reflect on their own identity and transformation, just as Alicia does. Through her journey, we encourage audiences to consider their own moments of change and self-discovery.”
