Trinity Rep Joins Nationwide Demonstration THE GHOSTLIGHT PROJECT

On Thursday, January 19 at 5:30pm, Trinity Repertory Company will participate in a nationwide collective, simultaneous action: launching The Ghostlight Project.

On the eve of the Presidential Inauguration, in each time zone across the country at 5:30pm, theaters from Broadway to regional theaters to high schools will host a gathering outside their doors to create a "light for times ahead." This ceremonial lighting outside Trinity Rep symbolizes the theater as a safe, brave space for all people.

The Ghostlight Project's aim is "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." The definition for "a brave space," as created by The Ghostlight Project, is one where:

- It is safe to be who you are, regardless of race, class, religion, country of origin, immigration status, (dis)ability, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
- Diverse opinions, dissent, and argument are not only tolerated but invited.
- Active listening and courageous exchange are fundamental values.
- Collective action, activism, and community engagement, both within and outside the walls of the theater, are cultivated, encouraged, and supported.

"We are honored to join theaters nationwide to participate in The Ghostlight Project," said artistic director Curt Columbus. "Theaters have always been a space for all people's stories, for empathy, and for learning. Regardless of the divisiveness in our country at the current time, Trinity Rep's doors will remain open to all people, and we will continue to fight for justice, equality, and acceptance through the art we make."

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. "Ghostlights" are single lights left on at all times in a dark theater; The Ghostlight Project promises that each theater will remain a brave space at all times.

The Ghostlight Project will be a resource for theaters, arts communities, and individuals to identify and create meaningful action steps, or to continue the social justice work already underway. The Ghostlight Project is: Claudia Alick, Saheem Ali, Daniel Beaty, Alexandra Billings, Sammi Cannold, P. Carl, Rachel Chavkin, Lear deBessonet, Sarah Flamm, Rachel Hauck, David Henry Hwang, Christine Jones, Moises Kaufman, Mia Katigbak, Jenny Koons, Lisa Kron, Tina Landau, Lorin Latarro, Zhailon Livingston, RebeccA Martinez, Jennifer McGrath, Okieriete Onaodowan, Lisa Peterson, Sam Pinkleton, Clint Ramos, Randy Reyes, Leigh Silverman, Kristyn Smith, Jeanine Tesori, Liesl Tommy, Stephanie Ybarra, David Zinn, and YOU.

The State Theater of Rhode Island, Trinity Repertory Company is now in its 53rd season. Since its founding in 1963, Trinity Repertory Company has been one of the most respected regional theaters in the country. Featuring the last permanent resident Acting Company in America, Trinity Rep presents a balance of world premiere, contemporary, and classic works for an estimated annual audience of approximately 145,000. Since 1963, the theater has produced 66 world premieres, mounted national and international tours, and, through its MFA program, trained hundreds of new actors and directors.

Subscriptions for the 2016-2017 season Ghosts of the Past, Dreams of the Future are now on sale. The remainder of Trinity Rep's season includes The Mountaintop by Katori Hall, A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare, Faithful Cheaters by Deborah Salem Smith and Fuente Ovejuna (Like Sheep to Water) by Lope De Vega Carpio. For more information and to purchase tickets, call the box office at (401) 351-4242 or visit Trinity Rep's website at www.trinityrep.com.