Last week, five student playwrights at Pacific got to see their pieces performed in front of a live audience. The student playwright showcase was part of “LunchBox Theatre,” a student-run organization designed to put on small, intimate performances for the student body at no cost.
“We are interested in creating dynamic, thought-provoking, experimental theatre with people who are passionate and dedicated to the arts,” read the program handed out at the performances. “We are a small theatre group with big ambitions.”
As suggested by the “LunchBox Theatre” brand, the showcase ran during the noon hour on Thursday, Feb. 23, but also continued its performances at 7:30 p.m. that evening and again on Friday, Feb. 24 before concluding Tuesday, Feb. 28. As usual, the performances were held in Warner Hall Room 5, referred to by LunchBoxers as the “Blackbox Theatre.”
Genre of the pieces varied from the dramatic to the humorous to the romantic, reflecting the various writing styles of Pacific’s young playwright community. A large number of students were involved either in the directing or acting of the pieces as well.
The first piece, titled “Like Snowfall,” was written by junior Geran Wales. In the piece, tensions run high when accusations of theft fly between employees stuck at work during a snowstorm. The scene was directed by junior Gavin Knittle.
Next was “Seed,” written by senior Rose Engelfried. The monologue was set to music, based on the contrasts between life, death, a seed, the world and humanity. It was directed by senior Katie Mortemore and performed by Valerie Fournier.
The third piece, dubbed “Ghosthunting,” was about exactly that. Written by junior Nica Borders and directed by junior Janna Tessman, the piece follows a teenage couple on a “date” – camping out in order to try and find a specific spirit from the boyfriend’s past.
Fourth on the program was “Brains,” written by sophomore Bri Castellini. It deals with the typical romantic issues plaguing an unassuming couple, set, of course, against the backdrop of a zombie apocalypse. The piece was directed by sophomore Tiara Herr.
Finally, written by junior Michael Johnson, was a performance of “The Glass.” Directed by Ted Gold, the piece follows two little girls during a visit to an aquarium, and their subsequent interactions with the tormented man working there, costumed as a pirate.
As usual, the performances were stellar and very entertaining. There will more LunchBox performances to come throughout the remainder of the school year. Students are encouraged to take advantage of LunchBox shows, which are free and very much worth the time spent.
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