Pacific Index

Pacific University’s Theatre Department present “The Lantern of Jack”

This fall, the theater department has chosen to showcase Pacific’s young actors through a series of performances titled “The Lantern of Jack.” 

“It’s an evening of mystery, an evening of storytelling,” remarks director Matthew Zrebski, “where I think we will absolutely be able to relate to these stories.” He continues, “I like to think of it as where theater originally began: around fires, in the darkness, telling stories and talking about folklore and myths,” 

Zrebski explains that this performance is not like past theatrical productions; its focus is inspired by the changing of seasons and the essence of autumn; a theatrical collage of sorts, where actors will share an item or object they associate with fall. Each piece will exhibit where the actor’s mind goes when they think of that particular item; specifically, how it is associated with history, folklore, and day-to-day life. 

The play leans heavily into a narrative where the actors speak and tell stories from the object’s point of view. As they do, other members of the cast assist in telling that story through movement. In the production process, actors are also tasked with, “wearing every hat you can wear in the theater arts,” says Zrebski. 

“I would call this a project because the student ensemble is devising each piece from scratch,” he says. “This essentially allows each student the opportunity to create a personal piece in whatever way they feel best displays their creativity.” 

Zrebski shares that his job as a director is not necessarily to direct a written play, but to help shape the material each student is working with. He wants the student actors to learn and develop from this experience as true students of the fine arts. Zrebski goes on to mention the emotions he wants to evoke in the audience, “Great art asks questions and continues conversations. I don’t think that great art delivers a message or a vision.” 

When audiences leave, he wants them to continue to think about the feelings each piece brought to the table and how it relates to life. This performance will take the place of the anticipated fall production of “Witch.” “The Lantern of Jack” will be performed on October 24-27 in the Tom Miles Theatre in the days leading up to Halloween.