by Christina Butcher for OLY ARTS
Holding collaborative, public performances for decades is a noteworthy feat for any organization, but for The Heartsparkle Players, it’s an accomplishment made possible only through constant rededication to cherished causes of hope and love. The playback-theater troupe will open its 20th season by recommitting to those themes. “The reason we collaborate with community groups,” says Debe Edden, artistic and managing director of the group, “is to show that people do have hope, that people are doing good things in our community and that love and compassion are very important. That’s the foundation of what we do.”
Heartsparkle is a group of performers that holds workshops, public performances and “compassionate-action performances” at schools. While it’s been performing in Olympia for 26 years, it’s only been doing so publicly for 20. This season will open with The Power of Conversation, a performance in partnership with Sharing Teens and Elders Project, followed by a performance for Pierce County AIDS Foundation Olympia in November. In December, Heartsparkle will combine forces with Empowerment 4 Girls to present Stories of Empowerment. “All along,” says Edden, “our focus has been on collaborating with community groups. We’re still highlighting the good work people are doing in our community. We have a wonderful tradition.”
Heartsparkle will continue its efforts of spreading love and compassion by working with Centro Integral Educativo Latino de Olympia, Kokua, YouthSound and other organizations to hold monthly, public performances from January to May of 2018. The troupe will formally celebrate its anniversary in April, with a performance aptly titled Standing on the Side of Love and Hope.
What: The Power of Conversation
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13
Where: Traditions Café,
300 Fifth Ave. SW, Olympia
How much: $7-$12
Learn more: email | Heartsparkle Players