Turn On Your Ghost Light

“In theater,” says Linda Whitney, Harlequin Productions’ artistic director, “it is a tradition to leave a ghost light on when the theater goes dark, illuminating a safe path through the space.” Harlequin is one of several area troupes participating in a national campaign called The Ghostlight Project. On Thursday, January 19, the eve of the presidential inauguration, these companies will repurpose that traditional ghost light to illuminate their shared commitment to diversity and inclusion. They hope you’ll join them—and bring a portable light source to augment their welcoming glow. Attendees will not be required to purchase a ticket to the evening’s performance in order to enjoy this one-time event.

At 5:30 p.m., two and a half hours prior to Harlequin’s first performance of My Name Is Rachel Corrie, actors and company members will gather in front of the historic State Theater. Whitney will make a few brief remarks. Then she’ll “light the symbolic ghost light now installed in the vintage ticket booth in front of the theater,” she says, “lighting the way for all.” This ceremonial lighting will be performed by companies all over America at 5:30 p.m. in each group’s respective time zone.

Over a dozen Seattle companies will participate.

UPDATED Jan. 19, 9 p.m.:

With less fanfare but no less sincerity or beauty than other companies, Olympia Family Theater put its own ghost light out in the front window during its rehearsal for Starry Messenger.

What: My Name Is Rachel Corrie

Where: Harlequin Productions’ State Theater,
202 Fourth Ave. E, Olympia

When: 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19

How much: free

Learn more: 360-786-0151 | The Ghostlight Project

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