(Cincinnati, Jan. 17, 2017) – At 5:30pm on JANUARY 19, 2017 Xavier Theatre will join over 500 theaters, ensembles and companies, high school and university theater programs who will gather across the country to “light a light” and make 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, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
The Ghostlight Project will bring together over 500 participating organizations in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. From Broadway to high school auditoriums, members of the theater community will gather from coast to coast on January 19, 2017 at 5:30 p.m. in each time zone to “light a light” and make a pledge. Inspired by the theatrical tradition of keeping a “ghost light” on in a darkened theater, we create light for the challenging times ahead.
On January 19th, at 5:30PM, Xavier Theatre will host a Ghostlight Project event. Everyone is invited to come together in the Gallagher Theatre for a short ceremony, located in Gallagher Student Center. Gathering together on the stage, people of all walks of life can come together in camaraderie. Feelings of strength, safety, and solidarity will be shared in order to designate the theatre as a safe space for ALL. From the darkness, all participants will ignite their own light source, to stand together as a beacon of hope and strength for the future.
Xavier University’s Theatre Department prides itself on being a company open to all walks of life. Xavier Theatre strives to create an open and accepting environment for every student. In creating a dialogue between people of differing backgrounds, our program will always include opportunities for the growth and development of anyone passionate about theatre.
From Saheem Ali, Director and member of the Ghostlight Project Steering Committee:
“The act of expressing something out loud has significance. [It] demonstrates solidarity and a firmness of belief. Our most solemn ceremonies—weddings, graduations, ordinations—are by design public and communal because they demand witnesses. By standing outside the privacy afforded by one’s four walls and declaring something in full voice, one asks to be held accountable for the stance being taken.”
Anyone who wishes to participate in this event may join by coming to the Gallagher Theatre located on the lower level of Gallagher Student Center on Xavier’s Main Campus. All that is needed to participate is an open mind, and a cell phone with flashlight capabilities. The ceremony will last approximately 20-30 minutes. The theatre doors will be open at 5:00pm, with the ceremony beginning promptly at 5:30PM.
www.theghostlightproject.com #GhostlightProject #BeALight #AllAreWelcome
THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE ABRIDGED (REVISED)
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