Magdalene Krzeczkowski
Staff Writer
Franciscan students showcased what the life of St. Francis was like during Francis fest on Sept. 28 at 1 p.m.
The meditative play was arranged like the Stations of the Cross, moving from the St. Francis statue overlooking the Rosary Circle to the statue of Christ by Sts. Cosmas and Damian Science Hall to its finale near the Portiuncula chapel. Each station portrayed a significant event in Francis’ life.
The production was directed by Joe Blanton—a junior double-majoring in theater and English—and is, notably, his debut as a director. “It was a lot of work,” he said, “but really rewarding.”
Besides organizing the play, Blanton worked behind the scenes during the play, providing props and costume pieces when needed and taking them off the actors’ hands afterward. Although the role of director is typically passed on each year, he hopes to remain involved with the production in some capacity next fall.
The twelve actors had two rehearsals over one weekend to prepare for the half-hour play. However, as sophomore English major Emma de la Cruz pointed out, because of the spiritual import, “you worry a lot less about messing up.”
Sophomore philosophy major Gregory Martin, who played the part of St. Francis, said that the play “has a completely different nature (from contemporary theater); it’s a liturgy.”
“It’s a meditation,” agreed senior English education major Summer Derwald, who starred opposite Martin in the role of St. Clare.
The play’s spiritual emphasis was highlighted by the structure of the stations. Each featured a short meditation and prayer, guiding the audience to reflect on God’s call in their own lives.
“What is the Lord asking you to do?” narrator Rose Zakrzwski read aloud during the second station. “Is He calling you by name to be something greater than yourself?”