Thursday, the eve of the inauguration of president-elect Donald Trump, is shaping up to be a day of action and observance for many across the nation, including artists.
At 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, people from three dozen Minnesota theaters will gather for the Ghostlight Project, named for the illumination that's kept on in theaters that are "dark," or not in use.
The project, spearheaded by high profile theater artists such as composer Jeanine Tesori, playwrights David Henry Hwang (pictured), Lisa Kron and Moises Kaufman, and directors Liesl Tommy, Lear deBessonet and Rachel Chavkin, is part of a national effort involving companies in all 50 states.
The Twin Cities companies include the Children's Theatre, Intermedia Arts, the Jungle, Mixed Blood, Penumbra and the Playwrights' Center. All are making or renewing "a pledge to stand for and protect the values of inclusion, participation, and compassion for everyone," according to a mission statement.
Randy Reyes, artistic director of Mu Performing Arts, is one of the national organizers.
"At a time like this, it is important to affirm that theater will be a place that is inclusive and welcoming to all," he said.
The roster of Minnesota theaters that are making a pledge for inclusion and compassion includes St. Paul's Ordway Center and Park Square Theatre, Stages in Hopkins, the Commonweal in Lanesboro and Pangea World Theater and the Southern Theater, both in Minneapolis.
