GREENFIELD — Silverthorne Theater will light the night Thursday evening at 5:30, joining a nationwide theater initiative calling for inclusiveness and compassion, called The Ghostlight Project.
“We will gather outside of our new performance space, The Arts Block, on Main Street at Court Square in Greenfield to create a ‘light for dark times ahead,’” reads a statement posted on the Turners Falls theater group’s website.
The idea was inspired by the tradition of leaving a “ghost light” on in a darkened theater. Artists and communities will make or renew a pledge to stand for and protect the values of inclusion, participation and compassion for everyone, according to organizers.
It’s intentionally scheduled on the eve of the presidential inauguration, which will take place Friday in the nation’s capital. During the event, one light will glow continuously.
Those interested in attending Thursday’s event outside The Arts Block are encouraged to dress warmly, and bring a light source such as a flashlight, lantern, candle or cell phone.
With lights burning, there’ll be a chance for attendees to share up to three minutes of monologues, speeches, and dialogues. The announcement notes there will be a sound system and microphone available.
Nationally, other groups will gather outside theaters at the same time.
“Jan. 19 is a moment of gathering within a larger resistance to intolerance at all levels,” local organizers note. “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.”
For more information, visit: www.theghostlightproject.com, or email silverthornetheater@gmail.com.
You can reach Andy Castillo
at: acastillo@recorder.com
or 413-772-0261, ext. 263
On Twitter: @AndyCCastillo