“this little
light…”
This event will take place nationally in theatres throughout
the United States on Thursday, January 19th at 5 pm. For those hosting gatherings in the local
area, go to www.theghostlightproject.com/participants
“This little light of mine…I’m gonna let it shine…” In this case, the “light” represents a ghostlight in a theatre which, through its rays, beckons safety for all within its range. In this time of turmoil in our Nation, it is good to know there are safe havens for all in need. Pope Francis has said that we should be building Bridges between cultures, not Walls. Ironic, isn’t it, the emphasis to rid our country of immigrants, when it is we, as immigrants, who built the country we now know as America. The only true natural citizens of this country are the Native Americans and History has proven how shabbily we have treated them! Shame on us!
Artists, too, have always been maltreated in our country. At one time, in the not too distant Past, a sign that often was hung on various establishments, including saloons and rooming houses, stated, “No dogs or actors allowed!” (Actually I hold both in high regard). The Arts are almost always one of the first things cut from educational budgets, I assume, because you can’t quantify or measure its results. The fact that it builds character, self-confidence and teamwork in individuals, lets them walk in other peoples’ shoes and gives them a safe place to explore their inner feelings, seems to have escaped the notice of our learned leaders.
That being said, and before I reveal the artistic leaders behind this local section of this event, I was inspired to write a short poem to reflect artistically my feelings about this:
“This little light of mine…I’m gonna let it shine…” In this case, the “light” represents a ghostlight in a theatre which, through its rays, beckons safety for all within its range. In this time of turmoil in our Nation, it is good to know there are safe havens for all in need. Pope Francis has said that we should be building Bridges between cultures, not Walls. Ironic, isn’t it, the emphasis to rid our country of immigrants, when it is we, as immigrants, who built the country we now know as America. The only true natural citizens of this country are the Native Americans and History has proven how shabbily we have treated them! Shame on us!
Artists, too, have always been maltreated in our country. At one time, in the not too distant Past, a sign that often was hung on various establishments, including saloons and rooming houses, stated, “No dogs or actors allowed!” (Actually I hold both in high regard). The Arts are almost always one of the first things cut from educational budgets, I assume, because you can’t quantify or measure its results. The fact that it builds character, self-confidence and teamwork in individuals, lets them walk in other peoples’ shoes and gives them a safe place to explore their inner feelings, seems to have escaped the notice of our learned leaders.
That being said, and before I reveal the artistic leaders behind this local section of this event, I was inspired to write a short poem to reflect artistically my feelings about this:
Anthem
We’re All Safe—
‘Till we’re not;
We’re All Free—
‘Till the Shackles
chime.
The Door was Open
The Pathway Clear,
‘Till a Bridge too
far
And a Wall too near.
Now is the Time
To renew our call—
Our Nation for
Freedom
And Tolerance for
All!
THE
GHOSTLIGHT PROJECT | JANUARY 19 | NATIONAL EVENT
Portland
theater companies participate in national gathering to turn a light on in the
darkness and serve as sanctuaries in the years ahead
#GhostlightProject
| #AllAreWelcome | #BeALight
January 12, 2017 –
PORTLAND, OR. On
January 19, Portland theater companies, including Portland Center Stage at The Armory, Artists Repertory Theatre and Oregon
Children’s Theatre, will join theater communities across the country in hosting
gatherings for The Ghostlight Project.
Inspired by the tradition of leaving a “ghost light” on in a darkened theater
for safety, artists and communities across the country will 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, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
ALL are welcome. Lighting events will happen at several locations in Portland. Details are below for events at Portland Center Stage at The Armory, Artists Repertory Theatre and Oregon Children’s Theatre. A full list of participating theaters in Oregon, and nationally, can be found at: theghostlightproject.com/participants.
Portland Center Stage at The Armory
ALL are welcome. Lighting events will happen at several locations in Portland. Details are below for events at Portland Center Stage at The Armory, Artists Repertory Theatre and Oregon Children’s Theatre. A full list of participating theaters in Oregon, and nationally, can be found at: theghostlightproject.com/participants.
Portland Center Stage at The Armory
The Armory — joined by some of its longstanding community
partners including The Giving Tree, Central City Concern, Playwrite Inc., and Theatre
Diaspora — will host a lighting event in its main lobby with DJ Anjali on hand
to play upbeat world music. Kelsey Tyler, director of education and community
programs, will lead the pledge ceremony. Lights will be provided and attendees
with cell phones may also use their phone lights. All are welcome.
Gather at 5:00 p.m. |
Lighting Event at 5:30 p.m. | Main Lobby | 128 NW Eleventh Ave. Media Contact: Claudie Fisher, 503-997-8072, claudief@pcs.org
More Info: www.pcs.org
Artists Repertory Theatre
Artists Repertory Theatre
Artists Repertory Theatre will host a Ghostlight
Project gathering that will include patrons, community partners, Resident
Artists, along with Resident Companies in the ArtsHub. The event begins at 5
p.m. in the Morrison Lobby. At 5:30 p.m., we will illuminate Artists Rep’s
enduring beacon of light at the theatre. We will stand in solidarity valuing
the inclusion and recognition of all people and in resistance to intolerance of
any kind. Artists Rep will pledge our commitment to serve as a sanctuary. All
are welcome.
Gather at 5:00 p.m. | Lighting Event at 5:30 p.m. | Morrison Lobby | 1515 SW Morrison St. Media Contact: Nicole Lane, 360-601-4298, nlane@artistsrep.org
Gather at 5:00 p.m. | Lighting Event at 5:30 p.m. | Morrison Lobby | 1515 SW Morrison St. Media Contact: Nicole Lane, 360-601-4298, nlane@artistsrep.org
More Info: www.artistsrep.org
Oregon Children’s Theatre
Oregon Children’s Theatre
Oregon Children’s Theatre will gather for a 10 to 20 minute
observance at dusk. All are welcome to attend the ceremony, which will take
place on the sidewalks outside Oregon Children’s Theatre, with a candle, a
flashlight, a sign saying Be A Light or All Are Welcome, to help emphasize the
value of compassion, connection and community. Attendees are invited to
join us for refreshments following the ceremony.
Gather at 5:15 p.m. |
Lighting Event at 5:30 p.m. | OCT Studios | 1939 NE Sandy Blvd.
Media Contact: Sharon Martell, 503-467-0539, sharon@octc.org
More Info: www.octc.org
Bless all those people who have initiated this Project here and for all those who will take heed and follow the need to form a more “perfect Union!” Please feel free to use my “little light, Anthem, as you will. “All the World’s a Stage…” and we, as Players upon it, should see that our Voices are heard!
Bless all those people who have initiated this Project here and for all those who will take heed and follow the need to form a more “perfect Union!” Please feel free to use my “little light, Anthem, as you will. “All the World’s a Stage…” and we, as Players upon it, should see that our Voices are heard!
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