El Cerrito Teen Takes A Turn in Director's Chair

The Albany High School Theater Ensemble presents , by Brian Friel, beginning Thursday at 7 p.m.

This play is directed by Rachel Ozer-Bearson of El Cerrito, and Rachel Wong-Westbrooke, both juniors at .

This is the first time they are directing a production, though both have broad experience in theater. Ozer-Bearson is an actor and light designer, and Wong-Westbrooke is a stage manager and set designer.

Dancing at Lughnasa, set in 1930s rural Ireland, tells the story of the five unmarried Mundy sisters, whose lives are upset by the return of two men: their older brother Jack, who has spent 25 years in Africa, where he contracted malaria; and Gerry, the father of the youngest sister’s illegitimate son. The play explores family, identity and how the past shapes our lives.

"We chose Dancing at Lughnasa because we found it was a compelling play with universal themes. We were also particularly attracted to its focus on family struggles," said Ozer-Bearson.

Wong-Westbrooke also explained how the play has a majority of female roles, which was important in their decision.

Both young women said collaborating with the cast was a high point in the experience.

"In essence, theater is about creating, and I am privileged to have been able to do so alongside such gifted individuals, from whom I have learned so much," said Ozer-Bearson.

"My favorite part of directing is getting to work with the actors on a level that I never have before," added Wong-Westbrooke. "I love working with them to develop characters and the relationships between them. As much as it is my favorite part, analyzing and bringing the characters to life, it is also the most challenging part."

Although the play is set in the past, it delves into universal themes that remain relevant today. At its heart, it is a play about family, which everyone can relate to in some way. Dancing at Lughnasa is a thought-provoking and entertaining play that will appeal to almost everyone.

See showtimes and more details .