Amy Gao’s Story Unfolds in the Pages of Keystone
Literature has become entwined with Amy Gao’s life at Keystone, her story weaving in and out of the pages of a myriad of texts she has both read and written. In Grade 7, Amy penned her first novel, Magician. In Grade 9, she created a bilingual collection of short stories, Welcome to the Overcast World. Currently, on the precipice of starting a new journey after graduation, she is immersed in writing Magician 2, a prequel to her earlier work, building a rich world of tales that spans four decades. These tales, rife with complex characters in a realm of science fiction, reflect Amy’s own inner self and how she sees the world around her.
Although Amy’s literary works have been an important endeavor for her, they are merely one of the many creative outlets that have defined her school career. In addition to being a leader in other literary activities like Keystone Literature Playhouse, Amy has been an integral part of a litany of other school activities, including directing dramas, and playing in the student band Heron. Amy relishes the opportunity to dive headfirst into an array of fields, expressing herself and striving for excellence. All these pursuits have turned her into the resilient and courageous learner she is today. “In pursuing my passions, I may encounter a multitude of unknown challenges, and fear may try to hold me back, but I will strive to confront them head-on,” she explains. It is this bold educational philosophy that drives the compelling story of Amy Gao.
Expanding Horizons: Literature and Beyond
During her Grade 7 summer vacation, Amy took a summer program on literature. In a class, a discussion on the poem Telemachus by Vietnameese-American poet Ocean Vuong, a piece inspired by The Odyssey, sparked a question from a fellow student, “why does this poem not align with the original ending of Odysseus and his son in The Odyssey?” This one question sparked a thought in Amy’s mind: “is every ending merely fate?” “Can one alter their own destiny?” These questions inspired a new world in her mind, one she wished to bring to life through a novel. Therefore, she working on her first full-length novel, Magician. This dystopian narrative that later became famous with many students in the Keystone community, painted a world where destinies could be traded, embodying Amy’s interpretation of fatalism through the lens of science fiction.
The essence of Magician lies in its theme: life, in all its forms, is far from perfect. Yet, it is still vitally important, a proof of our very existence. Through the portrayal of such a world, Amy sought to underscore the unpredictability of life and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Her hope was that her words would serve as a source of strength for those who read it, imbuing them with the courage to gaze at the night sky and find solace in their company as they await the dawn of a new day, even on nights when the stars seem to fade away.
In Grade 9, Amy penned a collection of novels in both Chinese and English, christened Welcome to the Overcast World. This collection serves as a bridge, spanning the chasm between Chinese and Western cultures and delving into the trials and tribulations that punctuate adolescence: introspection, anxiety, discrimination, and the contemplation of mortality. The zenith of Amy’s creative endeavors came during her Grade 12 Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) project, where she, along with her schoolmates Alex Wang and Jenny Guo, established their own writing platform.
This platform, known as DreamWrights, became a vessel for their thoughts, emotions, and feelings, expressed through diverse forms of writing. Amy’s contributions to this platform were profound and varied. She created an original English drama titled RED, penned a pioneering prose poem Mayday in May that spanned 6,000 words, and composed several English poems. In Mayday in May, Amy, inspired by the literature classes on Marquez and his One Hundred Years of Solitude, records her thoughts of everyday life. Her words flow freely, yet they carry the weight of her philosophical reflections on various concepts, definitions, and the extraordinary within the ordinary.
14. Do we feel pain? Why do we feel pain? Probably because the thing called art alwayspenetrates every tiny pixel of life, amplifying one's senses so much that one has to drink every illusion in one big gulp after another –– just like a piece of ecofeminist art, where blood and soil grow intertwined, fertilizing the soul with agony. So now we, no longer human beings, have the compound eyes of a dragonfly, the scales of a monarch butterfly, the feathers of a hummingbird, the stomata of a whale, the heart of an African elephant and the echo of a dolphin's cry. Yes, this may be the reason: we cannot live without art, but as we live we are moulded by art again in a second genesis, shaped by clay into such creatures so sensitive to beauty and pain.”
- Excerpt from Mayday in May
Amy’s myriad of works have been a hit around Keystone. Christina Myrisi, Amy’s English teacher and Dorm Parent for three years, commented on her creative writing, stating, “Amy loves language and appreciates the immense possibilities and power it offers. Language can help create new worlds, captivate audiences, transport them to different times and mores while revealing the writer’s innermost thoughts and beliefs. Language is also playful; each word comes with its nuances and connotations, inviting the reader to make connections and guesses that tickle the imagination and ignite curiosity. Amy knows all this about language and so relishes playing with it, inviting her audience to partake in her interests and learn her truths.”
Amy’s writing journey is intertwined with her love for reading. Her literary exploration began at a tender age, sparked by bedtime stories told by her father, and guided by the books that adorned her mother’s and grandfather’s shelves. From the magical realms of Harry Potter in kindergarten to the epic fantasy of The Lord of the Rings, the timeless works of Shakespeare, the science fiction blockbusters of Liu Cixin, and even some popular English novels, Amy’s reading list is as diverse as it is extensive.
She made sure to study many classics, parsing their pages for insights into the literary genius contained within. In her Grade 10 literature class, she undertook the ambitious task of reading The Peony Pavilion, a romantic tragicomedy play written by ancient Chinese dramatist Tang Xianzu, to analyze the portrayal of independent women in it and in Romeo and Juliet. This arduous journey of reading not only tested her resolve but also significantly improved her literary prowess. Yet, it was Amy’s “indulgence” in some seemingly superficial popular English novels, rather than literary classics, that led to a remarkable improvement in her English proficiency. “There is no useless book,” Amy explains. “In Grade 7, my English reading ability was very poor. But because I read a lot of popular novels in English, I didn’t need to specifically memorize vocabulary for the SAT. The words I saw in the books naturally stuck in my mind, and my language skills grew through reading.”
Recently, Amy has developed a deep appreciation for immigrant literature by Ken Liu, and Ocean Vuong. Amy found that Ken Liu’s works instilled in her the courage to confront prejudice. Meanwhile, the works of Ocean Vuong illuminated the confidence and determination of a writer outside the mainstream. “People often harbor preconceived notions about a writer’s work, influenced heavily by the writer’s identity,” Amy reflects. “Consider immigrant literature, for instance. The prevailing perception is that these authors are either seeking sympathy or delving into clichéd narratives. We tend to define a person’s accomplishments not by their deeds, but by their identity. However, Ocean Vuong defies this norm. Through his writing, he is not just expressing his thoughts, but also asserting his identity.” Amy’s writing is certainly an expression of her own identity, but, like light refracted through a prism, it is only one beam in a rainbow of passions that comprise who she is.
Setting the Stage: Amy’s Journey as a Director
In the hushed anticipation of the theatre, a lone beam of cerulean light descends from the ceiling delicately gracing the stage. From opposing sides, two troupes of actors slowly drift towards the center, the leader of each group carrying a small square mirror gently in their arms. As the two groups converge, the blue light dances off the mirrors in a ballet of refraction, creating a dramatic tension in the air. This specatcle unfolding onstage is an episode of Keystone Literature Playhouse directed by Amy Gao featuring The Outsider, the renowned novel by Albert Camus. A cornerstone of existentialist literature, The Outsider is more than just the birthplace of the classic literary figure Meursault. It is a catalyst for academic discourse, a prism refracting a multitude of perspectives, and an indispensable text in humankind’s quest to understand the intricate dance between the world and ourselves.
This episode of Literature Playhouse when she was in Grade 11 was Amy’s debut as a director, a pivotal moment in her journey at Keystone. Her directorial vision for The Outsider left an indelible mark on her peers in Literature Playhouse. This episode took place a mere one year after her involvement as one of the creators of the annual drama production of Night of Dunhuang, a magical journey through the wonders of Dunhuang in celebration of 2021’s Mid-Autumn Festival. Alongside a team of student creators, including Tina Zhou, Selena Zheng, Hank Zhou and Sonic Liu, and a cast of over fifty actors, Amy had embarked on her first directorial venture. But it was in the drama featuring The Outsider that Amy truly found her voice as a director.
“As a director and playwright for the student dramas of Literature Playhouse, Amy’s creations are a sight to behold,” explains Sabrina Liu, the founder of Literature Playhouse and Keystone Director of Marketing and Communications. “They are a harmonious blend of faithfulness to the original literary works and a daring spirit of experimentation. She breathes life into the characters, plots, and narratives of the original works, while also injecting a transformative revolution into every aspect of the production. This revolution, born from the repeated dissection and analysis of the text, permeates her script writing, drama arrangement, and stage presentation. Her revolutions are not just a personal endeavor, but a source of inspiration for her peers. They ignite a passion for the integration of literature and drama among the younger students, ensuring that this passion continues to burn brightly and spread throughout Keystone.”
Last year, in the second season of Literature Playhouse, Amy took the helm as one of the directors of Runaway, a classic short story by Canadian author and Nobel laureate Alice Munro. The tale weaves the struggles of the protagonist, Carla, as she attempts to run away from life’s hardships, painting a poignant picture of burdens borne by countless women and their deep-seated desire to break free from their turmoil. In her adaptation, Amy brought together female characters from various literary works, each embodying a spirit of rebellion and escape. This allowed the audience to extend their gaze beyond Runaway, prompting a broader reflection on many issues faced by women in society.
In the final act of the play, a scene unfolded that was as poignant as it was powerful. Zijun from The Hurt Locker, Ophelia from Hamlet, and Nora from A Doll’s House shared the stage in a dance of shared struggles and dreams. Amy shared her insights and reflections on the play in the discussion session afterwards, stating, “we have never perceived Carla as a solitary entity. The notion of running away is not exclusive to her but is a shared sentiment among many women, and perhaps, it resides within us all. For women, running away is not merely an act of defiance but a choice, a declaration of freedom in a society that often leans towards patriarchy. The echoes of women, imbued with a free spirit and self-awareness, reverberate through the annals of literary history. Thus, we have woven together various images of independent women from diverse works, amplifying and fortifying the essence of Runaway.”
As Amy started Grade 12, her involvement at Literature Playhouse dramas became less frequent, making way for students from Grades 9 and 10 to carry on the tradition. Members of the drama group featuring The South, the new generation of directors and scriptwriters, Cici Lu and Lily Pan, often sought Amy’s counsel. Amy used her own wealth of experience to advise them on the nuances of stagecraft, such as selecting the right costumes and the interaction between costumes and light, as well as the importance of creating a standardized format for the script. This cycle of learning and passing on knowledge is the essence of Keystone’s legacy. As students graduate and move on from the school, they pass down their wisdom and creativity to the students that come after them. Amy is a shining example of this tradition, a link in the chain that connects the entire Keystone community. As Amy passes down her knowledge and experience, she ensures that the next generation of Keystone playwrights will be able to keep theatrical spectacle thriving at the school.
Finding “a Different Way of Life” through Literature
As the year 2018 drew to a close, the curtain rose on a new platform for literary discourse at Keystone. Literature Playhouse served as a gateway to literature through book discussions, on-site question and answers, drama performances, and debates, and quickly became a magnet for those with a passion for prose. Already adept in the world of literature Amy decided to sign up in Grade 7. However, this new adventure initially proved to be a challenge for her. The group welcomed nearly 200 students from all grade levels, many of whom held deep insights and opinions about literature. Amidst this sea of literary minds, Amy’s name was initially absent from the list of outstanding assignments. She likened her experience to being suddenly plunged into the ocean, enveloped in a silence so profound that she could hear nothing.
In the shadow of obscurity, Amy found herself grappling with self-doubt, a struggle she termed the “existential crisis of self-depreciation.” The tumultuous waves of adolescent rebellion and pride nudged her towards the thought of quitting, yet she resisted this impulse. In the assignments that followed, Amy chose to wield her words like a sword, expressing her views with an unapologetic sharpness. Her questions, unforgiving and pointed, might have seemed harsh, yet they were the manifestation of her carefree courage. To her surprise, this audacious expression of thought led her assignment to be recognized as one of the best. This acknowledgment illuminated for Amy the ethos of Literature Playhouse - a celebration of unique perspectives that spring from the heart. Though Amy still found herself in the ocean, she now swam with a sense of freedom and joy.
When she first joined the group in Grade 7, Amy was a member of the House of Tolstoy. Three years later, as the second season unfolded and a captain was needed for the newly-established House of Lu Xun, Amy stepped forward. In her application, she courageously laid bare her journey, her struggles, and her growth within this reading club. As her time at Keystone passed, Amy grew into a leader who’s infectious enthusiasm inspired many of her friends to join the organizations she led.
Amy’s affection for Literature Playhouse extends beyond its role as a crucible of literature. To her, the people she encounters within its walls are an integral part of her Keystone experience, even more precious than the literature they explore. In Amy’s eyes, the students in the group are akin to a symphony of distinct instruments, each playing their own tune yet harmonizing beautifully together. There’s Annie Geng, who carries an aura of her own; Zifeng Zhu, who is serene and gentle; Brian Guo, whose extensive reading allows him to weave from one text to another; William Li, who’s relaxed demeanor provides a nice contrast to Amy; Tina Zhou, who radiates warmth and openness; Maya Ma, who always has unique insights; Oscar Chen, whose thoughts are as tender as clouds; Sonic Liu, an upper-grade boy who is modest and introverted, yet adept at communicating with children; and the warm, accommodating, and two outgoing upper-grade boys, Matthew Tang and Hank Zhou, who ensure seamless cross-grade communication.
Amy believes that everyone possesses unique qualities and viewpoints that merit respect and contemplation. Her humility, sincerity, and diligence led to her crowning as Best Individual of the book discussion events featuring Runaway and The Outsider. Her efforts have also garnered her one Aspiring Author of the Year award for the entire second season of the club. A passage from the award speech for the Individual of the Year award beautifully encapsulates her essence:
“Amy is a lover of reading, writing, drama, and the boundless cosmos composed of words. With a heart steeped in sincerity, she walks hand in hand with literature, cradling the anticipation and dreams of the future in her creations. In her, we witness the potency of literature, the boundaries and imagination that reading and writing can unfurl, instilling in us the belief that the beacon of literature perpetually shines bright.”
Amy confesses that without the group, she would have penned her own novels, albeit in a quiet solitude, nestled within her personal sanctuary. She would have been content, not daring to dream bigger or make grand aspirations. “Literature Playhouse offered me an alternate path, a different way of life,” she explains.
As graduation looms, Amy finds herself immersed in the echoes of the past five years at Keystone. Each memory, a vibrant thread in the tapestry of her journey. She recalls an evening in Grade 11, when she and Jasmine Wang, her neighbor in the dorm building, huddled under a blanket, writing the script of Runaway. During various vacations, she ventured to different cities with her Knowledge Bowl KAP schoolmates. She remembers the clandestine moments after rehearsals, when she and her fellow cast members would gather outside Keystone’s Black Box theater, the teaching building shrouded in darkness, to share boxed meals. In her dorm, she fashioned a bookshelf from recycled materials. She reminisces about the times when she would fill the blackboard with characters while weaving her novel, each stroke a piece of her narrative. She cherishes a warm weekend when she, along with friends forged in the literature classes on Marquez and his One Hundred Years of Solitude, embarked on a journey to Aranya, a seaside tourist spot in Hebei Province. They were drawn to this destination by a line from a poem penned by Jasmine about taking a train to the beach.
Amy’s journey through the pages of Keystone is marked by dedication to her passions and studies and the inspiration she shared with others along the way. Each precious experience is not just a memory, it is an integral part of her, growing and evolving within her, shaping her true self. As she embarks on her next adventure at Dartmouth College, much like the characters in her novel, Amy’s path is not written in stone. Althouhgh she will continue to study literature, her love for design and creativity hasn’t faded. Her diverse interests are more than just subjects, they are part of who she is. Like the world around her, Amy is continually evolving, her next stop at university will just be another chapter in the unfolding novel of her colorful life.
