By JENNIFER CLAISE
Staff Writer

ABOLITIONISTS – Callie, played by Alyssa Chambers, and Amethyst, played by Cassandra Stacy, scold escaped slave Noah, played by Jesse Coburn, for being careless about being caught during a scene in “Bonds of Iron.” Moore School seventh and eighth graders held the performance Friday, Nov. 12. (Jennifer Claise Photo)

The air was full of nervous excitement backstage as seventh and eighth graders at Moore School prepared for their first performance of “Bonds of Iron” – a comingof- age play set in 19th-century Candia.

The play, which tells the story of an escaped slave, was written by language arts teacher Eileen Suckley and was performed Friday, Nov. 12, and again for students on Monday, Nov. 15.

Suckley said she was inspired to write her first play after hearing stories about a local home that was rumored to have been part of the Underground Railroad. The idea was rich with dramatic possibilities, Suckley said.

Jesse Coburn played Noah, the escaped slave and one of the play’s main characters, who makes what Suckley called a “human connection” with Callie, played by Cassandra Stacy, a local girl torn between her obligation to her family and her desire to attend college.

Professor Talbot, played by Nolin Murphy, interacts with both Noah and Callie, and is forced to confront his own resentment and disappointment as the play unfolds.

Suckley said she hoped students could relate to the storyline, and that they might learn to appreciate their hometown a bit more after learning about its history.

CONCENTRATION – At left, Bill, played by Colin Farley, ponders his next move against the sheriff, played by Troy Finch, while Professor Talbot, played by Nolin Murphy, watches the match. (Jennifer Claise Photo)

“A lot of my kids joke about the limitations of Candia –its small size and limited social offerings,” Suckley said. “I continually remind them of the richness that is here, and the people who do extraordinary things, often armed with nothing more than a great idea and an unlimited supply of energy, commitment and enthusiasm.

“They roll their eyes, but I continue to underscore the idea,” she added. “Like a lot of things in teaching, it’s sowing for a harvest I may never see.”

School Board Chairman Karen Smith was one of many residents to attend the play.

“Our family really enjoyed it,” Smith said. “The acting was well done and the costumes and sets were wonderful. Mrs. Suckley and her drama guild always put on a great performance.”