TODAY at 5:30 p.m. in each time zone across the country, members of the theater community – from Broadway to regional theaters to high schools and colleges and community theaters – will come together to launch The Ghostlight Project. Gathering outside of theaters on the eve of the Presidential Inauguration, people will join in a collective, simultaneous action, together creating “light” for challenging times ahead.
From Spotlighters:
Spotlighters knows the power of theatre, and the power of people! Please come and join us for a short (less than 1 hour) event! We will gather outside to create a LIGHT for the dark times ahead, and to make, or renew, a pledge to stand for and protect the values of inclusion, participation, and compassion for everyone, regardless of race, class, religion, country of origin, immigration status, (dis)ability, age, gender identity or sexual orientation!
We pledge to be the Ghostlight for Baltimore! In theatre, we have a tradition that when we end the performance and the audience and actors have all left the stage and dressing rooms, and we turn off all the lights, we leave a ‘ghostlight’ on – some say this is to keep the ghosts that haunt our stage company. (In reality, it is to keep us safe when we walk into the dark theatre!) This project asks that you join us to help be that LIGHT for the coming Dark Times. We ask that you bring a light source (please no candles) so we can truly be the light that is needed. We aim to create brave spaces that will serve as lights in the coming years. We aim to activate a network of people across the country working to support vulnerable communities. This is not a substitution for protests or direct action, but rather a pledge for continued vigilance and increased advocacy.
We define “a brave space” as a space where:
- It is safe to be who you are, regardless of race, class, religion, country of origin, immigration status, (dis)ability, age, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
- Diverse opinions, dissent, and argument are not only tolerated, but invited.
- Active listening and courageous exchange are fundamental values.
- Collective action, activism, and community engagement, both within and outside the walls of the theater, are cultivated, encouraged, and supported.
JOIN US – Thursday, Jan 19, 2017 – at 5:30pm in the Courtyard of Spotlighters Theatre to participate in the Ghostlight Project. There will be time making our own Statement Signs and for photos, as well as hearing what Spotlighters pledges to do in the coming months and years to fight against the darkness of prejudice and discrimination; to support the voices that are often not heard in our community.
The Ghostlight Project takes place at 5:30pm on January 19, 2017 at Spotlighters Theatre – 817 Saint Paul Street in Baltimore, Maryland.
A list of participating Ghostlight Project theaters across the country can be found here.
