England: Daniel Wise (A New Experience)

Growing up I loved Harry Potter; it became one of my favorite franchises and still is today. As a young gay boy, it gave me something to relate to. That being different isn’t a bad thing but is something to be proud of. Although I do not support the hatred that J.K. Rowling has spread surrounding the trans community, and I do find value in mentioning that what she is saying is in no way correct, her stories did help me accept who I am today.

I have a love for theatre as well, so when I was in high school and learned that a Harry Potter play was being created, I was excited. Now back then, 19 and finishing up high school, I never thought I would get to see that play. Then 7 years later, this summer of 2023, that all changed.

I adorned myself with my gold constellation necklace, my space planet t-shirt, my black star converse, and my gold star earring. Now I was Ravenclaw ready to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. I remember my heart was pounding and I was ready to spend my entire afternoon watching this two-part, 6-hour show. The play in any place other than London has been cut down. I was getting the opportunity to see full length show. When I tell you that my life changed, I am not exaggerating. Not only is this show a theatrical masterpiece, but it is riddled with the queer representation that HP fans have deserved for years. The show made me cry, laugh, smile, and stare in awe at the magic (literally) that took place on stage. This play taught me techniques I had never seen done in theatre before and I will remember those moments for the rest of my life.

 

Daniel Wise

Hometown: Sauk City, Wisconsin

Major: Elementary Education (K-9)

Program: UW Theatre in London

When I graduate from UW Madison I hope to become a middle school English language arts teacher, a dream derived from my love of language arts and theatre/drama. I want to take away from my experience a further developed knowledge of theatre/drama to help assist my future students’ educational experiences and learning. I want to use my experiences in London to better myself as an educator and as a learner as I grow towards my career as a teacher in an educational system that will benefit greatly from the wonders of the arts.

I chose this program specifically because of my love of drama and the arts. I grew up participating in theatre and it has helped mold me, in the best ways, into the person I am today through who I will become. Being able to go to London and experience diverse, historical, and intricately rounded dramatical experiences is a once in a lifetime opportunity that I didn’t want to miss out on.