Why Pack of Lies?
I believe this question can be answered through another question, “why do we do theatre”?
I'm assuming that many audience members who attend our fall productions wonder why we do plays that are not “popular”. The simple answer is, the theatre is meant to influence a community. It should have the ability to resonate within its audience. The stories that are told can be lessons. The characters that are developed can be relatable. The setting can be familiar and the conflict can be real.
I am in no position to denounce the abilities of “popular” plays. But I do believe, that the Bethlehem Catholic community is unique. It requires lessons that many of the “popular” plays do not offer. I am a firm believer that High School theatre is a powerful form of education. It allows our actors and crew members to experience situations, themes, and conflicts they may never even knew existed.
Pack of Lies is more than a historical play. An ongoing theme-based deep within the script is betrayal. Barbara Jackson betraying her dearest friend Helen Kroger causes extreme internal conflict within the characters. Our play exists because of tangled lies, deep heartache, and the act of moral suffering. These are lessons that have provided our actors with a powerful educational experience. This is why we do theater.
I ask the audience to think about this when watching our production. Look past the idea that theater is only used as a form of entertainment. Use this time, to allow yourself to discover new ideas.
Ask yourself, How far would you let a lie go?
As always, I am blessed to be apart of this community. Bethlehem Catholic Theater has been equally influential to me as I also hope, to the actors. I'd like to send a special thank you to, Melissa Miller, Regina Devlin, and DJ Siebert for all their hard work and efforts!
I am eternally thankful for everyone's support in allowing me to teach the most important lesson, “Theatre is about people.”
Sean Hartman
Fall Theatre Director
