The Department of Drama continues the 2023/2024 season with the mystifying and entrancing “Ghost Ship” by Phillip Valle, directed by Ricky Pak, assistant professor of acting in the College of Visual and Performing Arts. Performances will be held in the Storch Theatre at the Syracuse Stage/SU Drama Complex, 820 East Genesee St. Tickets are available through the Syracuse Stage Box Office or by phone at 315.443.3275.
Climb aboard the haunted vessel the Mary Whalen with 15 other passengers and embark on a fully immersive, multisensory theatrical journey to uncover the truth behind the tragic murder of a young girl. But beware: beyond the distant sound of crashing waves and the wail of a foghorn lies a world of frightful visions that will linger long after you return to port.
For director Ricky Pak, “Ghost Ship” provides a rare opportunity to craft a theatrical horror experience that not only frightens, but also invites audience members to ponder the meaning behind the tragedies in our everyday lives: “Our job as storytellers is to reflect more deeply on the story, the circumstances, our characters, and figure out: How did we end up here?” Pak says. “Whenever you look at any sort of real horror story, at the root of that is tragedy.”
Pak also aims to highlight the classic nature of the play, emphasizing that “Ghost Ship” is, although nontraditional in a theatrical sense, storytelling in its most basic form. He says, “What are the tragic elements of the story, of the characters, of the situation, and how do we focus on that, making it no different than any Shakespearean or Greek tragedy?”
“Ghost Ship” will engage all five senses, enhancing the atmosphere and bringing the chilling tale of the Mary Whalen to life in the Storch Theatre. “In this show, we’re going to see things. We’re going to hear things. We’re going to feel things—actually physically feel things,” Pak says.
The level of multi-sensory experience will be determined by each participant, and audience members who do not wish to be engaged with physically during the performances can express their preference before showtime, while still enjoying “Ghost Ship” and its spine-tingling delights.
“Ghost Ship” sets sail multiple times per day Nov. 10-18.
