Thursday, January 19, 2017
By GUY D’ASTOLFO
YOUNGSTOWN
Several local theaters, including the Youngstown Playhouse, will join hundreds of others nationwide tonight – the eve of the inauguration of Donald Trump as president – in a show of unity.
The Playhouse is taking part in the first Ghostlight Project, in which performers will pledge to stand up for the values of inclusion, participation and compassion for all people, regardless of race, class, religion, country of origin, immigration status, disability, gender identity or sexual orientation.
More than 500 theaters, performance companies, and school-based theater programs across the country have signed up to participate, including University Theater at Youngstown State University, Rust Belt Theater Company and Kent State University-Trumbull Theater.
The Ghostlight Project takes its name from the theater tradition of keeping a “ghost light” – just an electric lightbulb – illuminated on stage when the theater is not in use.
It’s a safety precaution, but one that has developed its own lore over the years that reflect the superstitions and traditions of live theater.
The event will take place at 5:30 p.m. at theaters from Broadway to high schools in all 50 states. Participants will light a light, take a pledge of inclusiveness in the arts community and listen to speakers.
The Playhouse event will take place outside the theater, which is off Glenwood Avenue on the city’s South Side.
The public is invited to attend, and show support by bringing a hand-held light – a flashlight or cellphone, for example.
Playhouse operations manager James McClellan and board president Dr. John Cox will speak at the event. Coffee and hot chocolate will be offered in the theater lobby.
McClellan said the Ghostlight Project is not a protest of the incoming president, but rather a show of unity and an affirmation of shared values.
“I don’t think this effort is a protest. I think it’s a gathering of like spirits to reassure each other that we’re going to stick together and continue to prove that the arts are of great importance to humanity and must not be stifled,” he said.
In a news release, Ghostlight Project national director Saheem Ali said, “The act of expressing something out loud has significance. It demonstrates solidarity and a firmness of belief. 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.”
A smaller Ghostlight Project gathering will take place at 5:30 p.m. at Kent-Trumbull Theater.
There will be no keynote speaker, but theater participants can share their feelings if they are moved to do so, said Eric Kildow, director.
The event will begin in the theater lobby, 4314 Mahoning Ave. NW, Warren, and then move inside the theater.
Rust Belt Theater Company, along the other arts groups housed in Calvin Center, 755 Mahoning Ave., will have a Ghostlight gathering in front of the building at 5:30 p.m.
“We feel it is an important message to send to our community that the Rust Belt Theater Company joins the Youngstown Playhouse and theaters around the country in being a light to all people, and to stand for and protect all people,” said Rust Belt spokeswoman Nicole Zayas.
Youngstown State University’s theater will not have its own event, but will participate at the Playhouse, said Matthew Mazuroski, theater department chairman.