Lessons from the Wizarding World and Ours
Blog By: Lindsey Robinson
What’s a shift at DPAC without some magic! I had such a wonderful time shadowing lobby maps at a nightly performance of Broadway’s Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. When I was first given my assignment for the show I have to admit I was a little more than wary as to how it would turn out, as skills of direction and navigating my way around a space may be more hectic than our two loveable main characters, Albus and Scorpius, traveling with a Time-Turner . . . I wasn’t sure how well I’d fare in being of assistance to those who needed it. Little did I know that I would have an amazing experience regardless of that alongside Chris! She had the role of letting people know where they needed to go down to a tea, and told me that she has been helping those in the lobby with directions for around 8 years!
I had never seen DPAC so busy, making the job even more essential in customer service and communicating well with visitors. With wide smiles together we welcomed crowds of excited friends, family, and future, current, and past Hogwarts students, as they excitedly made their way in. It took quite a bit of listening to Chris’ directions to other guests based on their seating and repetition in practicing, before I finally got the hang of it. A big thank you to her for her patience, and kindness that she showed to me, which truly made all the difference! I learned from her to often offer guidance even to those who did not ask, as I can assume some may feel hesitant in approaching. She additionally explained to guests useful information as to where places or services were located other than seating, which many individuals– myself included, wouldn’t have thought to ask.
I also realized that often for the map, when guests were asked by us where they were headed, they did not give all of the information needed which allowed us to point them in the right direction. It showed the importance to clarify their section, seat number, and level which impacts the path taken more than it may be thought. I admired the way that Chris was friendly and understanding in speaking with and answering visitor’s questions, and could see her wide impact as a few greeted her with familiarity, as they passed by. In the short moments between interacting with guests, we chatted about our shared love of reading, and I was surprised when the time came to a close after a great time working with her.
The other ambassadors and I settled into our box seats shortly before the show began, and I couldn’t wait to see the magic brought to life on stage! Any expectations I had were blown away by the stunning lighting, special effects, choreography, and heartfelt performances by the incredibly talented cast. It truly made me feel immersed in the story by all of these elements and more. As can be expected with such strong storytelling came powerful messages that many can resonate with, especially teenagers like myself who may experience similar situations regarding the idea of reputation. In the story for instance a prime example is the judgements casted on Scorpius Malfoy due to people assuming his character without properly knowing him, because of negative feelings about his family.
Him and Albus Potter are also looked down upon for being slytherins even though the beliefs associated with this house do not apply to them. Expectations are put upon both boys, and for Albus, being the son of the hero Harry Potter puts pressure to follow an unbelievably high standard of following in his dad’s footsteps which causes a strain on their relationship. Harry does not ask this of the boy, but Albus feels it all the same from the ideas students have on who he should be as the son of legend, which is ironic as he always has been a regular man and now works a normal job like everyone else.
The exploration of said-and-unsaid burdens plays a pivotal part in the play that causes relatability with a younger audience, or those who remember times of their teenage years and felt misunderstood. Teenagers face the weights to live up to a certain idea through comparisons with others whether made by friends, parents, or by a part of someone's identity. Personally I feel stressed from competitiveness in school made by peers or examples that my siblings set and feel hard to follow. Though drawn in by the magical place and story, audience members can find themselves staying from the worldly themes.
