New Stage Theatre will present a virtual reading of Jackson native Jaclyn Bethany’s play Under the Lantern Lit Sky, November 19 at 7 p.m.
Conceived as a play and produced as a narrative feature film in summer 2019 Under the Lantern Lit Sky is a poetic imagining of the early adulthood of Blanche Dubois, inspired by A Streetcar Named Desire.
The script takes inspiration from its predecessor but stands alone - mixing poetry with narrative while exploring Mississippi around 1930, a time that feels both nostalgic and somewhat familiar.
The event is directed by Michelle Bossy with select scenes from A Streetcar Named Desire directed by Bethany, who will also play the young Blanche. A trailer and clip from the film version will also be shown, as well as a question and answer with the team following the reading.
Bethany is a writer, actor and filmmaker originally from Jackson, where she graduated from Jackson Preparatory School. She later attended Millsaps College, graduated from Fordham University in New York and holds master’s from both the London Film School and the American Film Institute in directing. Her digital series, The Rehearsal won an Emmy in July 2020 for supporting actress Tina Benko and her debut feature, Indigo Valley, was released by Apple TV in September.
Since July, Bethany has directed two feature films, Before the World Set on Fire and The Falling World. Both films explore seminal moments in American culture and the cost of privilege. As an actor, she will next be seen in David Fincher’s award juggernaut Mank for Netflix.
Tickets for the Under the Lantern Lit Sky virtual event are available online or by phone at the New Stage Theatre box office, with a suggested donation ranging from $5-$50. For more information, 601-948-3531.
