Section 8 Takes the Stage

Theatre has always been a part of my life. From community theatre productions in high school, to majoring in Theatre in college, to completing an M.A. in Theatre following graduation, it’s hard to remember a time when I didn’t perform. When I decided to transfer to Harvard Law, one of my biggest fears was that I would be lost in the crowd. I remembered my close-knit 1L section and felt like I would be out of sorts in a new place where my classmates had already done 1L together. Never in a million years did I think that my oldest love, theatre, would make such an impact on my new HLS journey.

            Enter the Harvard Law School Drama Society, otherwise known as “Parody,” which puts on a yearly production poking fun at some of the most iconic parts of Harvard Law School. From impressions of professors to songs about the Supreme Court and The Bluebook, I was shocked to learn that the law school had embraced this tradition since the 1960s. Even beyond the riotous, jaw-dropping, and sometimes cringe-worthy jokes, joining Parody was one of the best decisions I made during my first 2L transfer year.

            There are so few opportunities in law school that exist only for fun. As a transfer, joining a new institution can feel like you’re catching up. When I walked in to the first rehearsal I remembered what had continually pulled me back to Drama Club my whole life: the community. Theatre has a place for everyone: writing, costuming, tech, and performing. Every day, people with vastly different skillsets come together and make the Parody, truly just for fun. During each rehearsal I met new people, and during show week we bonded over balancing the show with our regular academic commitments (and on that – the whole team understands the importance on staying on top of schoolwork! There is never any pressure to miss academic commitments.)

Being a part of Parody reminded me of something I always knew: Drama Club is a bond like no other. In law school, participating in something only for your own enjoyment is rare, and as a transfer that experience takes on an especially crucial valence. I am so happy that the 3L transfers pointed me in the direction of Parody, as it was one of the most formative parts of my HLS journey.

Harry is a rising 3L who transferred to HLS after 1L year.