MIDDLETOWN — A local high school teacher is using a classic Halloween-themed movie to inspire students to experience and learn more about the city’s historic Sorgue Opera House.
Upperclassmen in Middletown High School’s English class attend a screening of the 1968 zombie movie classic “Night of the Living Dead” Thursday (Oct. 12) at a restored musical venue in the city. To do.
The black-and-white film influenced sequels and the entire “zombie” genre of movies and TV shows decades later, but it also dealt with some of the social issues that were controversial in America in the late 1960s. said Town Schools spokesman Dan Waller.
“The film has been studied as a non-traditional text, and students have learned how the film deals with issues including generation gaps, civil rights, the Cold War, and other important issues that are still prevalent today. ,” Waller said.
The after-school event is also used by students “as a way to explore the history of the city of Middletown,” and students have already visited the Zorg Opera House to learn about the building’s long history as a center. is visiting. For entertainment in Middletown. ”
The Sorgue Opera House is a historic theater located at 63 S. Main St. in Middletown. His first floor in Sorgue can accommodate around 700 people, and up to around 1,000 people if you choose balcony seating.
“When you walk into Sorgue, you can immediately feel the history of the place,” Middletown High School principal Kayden McCall said of the 132-year-old building.
He said the screening of the film Thursday at 7 p.m. is open to the public for $5 per ticket, and all proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the Sorgue Opera Revitalization Group.
English language arts teacher Chris Pearce said the unique off-campus lesson idea will help the next generation of Middletown residents continue to understand the historic gem that is Sorg.
“This is a first for Middletown High School, from the themes we are researching to our connections with the community to Saug,” Pierce said.
“My hope is that by having the opportunity to work at and for Sorg, children will gain a long-term understanding of the great history of the city of Middletown.”
“This is something that I’m very fascinated by and I hope this project will get young people interested in the history of the city.”
For more information about Thursday’s film screenings, visit the Sorgue Opera House website.