Flathead High School presents ‘Lord of the Flies’

The fragile line between civilization and chaos will be explored in Flathead High School Theatre’s stage adaptation of William Golding’s classic novel, “Lord of the Flies,” May 21 and 22. 

When a plane crash leaves a group of schoolchildren stranded with no adult supervision, they are suddenly faced with complete freedom. At first, the group embraces their independence, but as they try to govern themselves, fear, power struggles and pack mentality begin to take hold. What starts as innocent childhood play quickly unravels into something far more dangerous, as their fragile social order breaks down and gives way to chaos. 

This production is based on the stage adaptation by Nigel Williams, which captures the intensity and psychological depth of the original novel while bringing its timeless themes to life for a live audience. 

“This play is about the loss of innocence and how the need for survival and the fear of the unknown turn into a primeval darkness within the group,” student director Lev Strong said. “After being forced to read it as a freshman, I read it again and realized there was so much more that intrigued me.  I was curious about the idea of it being adapted into a stage play and thought it would be an interesting show.” 

Through its exploration of human behavior under pressure, the story remains one of the most enduring works in modern literature. Widely studied in schools and performed on stages around the world, Golding’s “Lord of the Flies” serves as a powerful allegory about the tension between civilization and savagery, raising questions about morality, leadership and the darker instincts that can emerge when societal boundaries disappear. 

The play is produced by the International Baccalaureate Acting 4 class, an advanced theater course that challenges students to take creative ownership and collaborate at a high level. It is the final show of the school year. 

“We are working hard to put our own 'spin' on this version of the story. For instance, our story includes characters of both genders, not just an island of boys.  Each cast member is very creative and has great ideas, contributing in their own unique and talented way,” Strong said.  

“Being a student director has taught me lots of new important life skills and experiences,” Strong added. I've also learned a lot about myself and what I’m capable of. I’ve been going to school with most of the students in this show and have acted alongside them before. It’s very different to be on the other side of the process of creating a show.” 

The cast includes Juda Torralba-Campas, AJ Mannon, Makenzie Westphal, Myla Johnson, Cecilea Harris, Audrey Cozad, Emmah Sawyer, Tyler Tippey, Jackson Tanner, Felicia Nicklaus, Mark Tucker and Taylor Welch. 

The tech crew includes stage manager Nat Young, Paisley Boykin-Smith, Matthew Ottman, Colin Lincoln, Adalicia O’Brien, Cosmo DeYoung, Teegan O’Donnell, Colin Lincoln, Lynne Beisel, Vanessa Foultner, Boston Jackson, Emma Feeney, Tatum McGuire, Kirrah Kniffin,  Teyvia Davis, Elena-Lillian Nicklaus, Owen Moore, Aiden Sabo and Szonja Czinner. 

Performances start at 6:27 p.m. in the David M. Hashley Theatre at Flathead, 644 Fourth Ave. W., Kalispell. 

Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for children, students and senior citizens. Tickets may be purchased online at GoFan.co, in the main office, or at Photo Video Plus located at 284 Fourth Ave. W. in Kalispell and at the door.