Westport Country Playhouse to Participate in Nationwide GHOSTLIGHT PROJECT This Week

Westport Country Playhouse will join more than 300 theaters nationwide in the Ghostlight Project, a shared, ongoing commitment to social justice by the theatrical community across the country, on Thursday, January 19, at 5:30 p.m., in the outside courtyard. The nonpartisan event is free and open to the public.

The ghostlight, a theatrical tradition, is the national organizers' inspiration. When theaters go dark at the end of the night, a ghostlight is turned on, offering visibility and safety for all who might enter.

To simulate a collective ghostlight at the event, attendees are requested to bring a light source that is in the "off" position upon arrival. At a specific point, all lights will be turned on to create one giant blaze. Flashlights, lanterns, and cell phone lights are suggested.

According to the Ghostlight Project's national organizers, the light created on January 19 will represent the commitment by theaters nationwide to greater inclusion, participation, and compassion. Theaters will pledge to provide a safe harbor for these values and for those who find themselves targeted because of race, class, religion, country of origin, immigration status, (dis)ability, gender identity, sexual identity, or dissident actions. In addition, the lights will symbolize hope and a belief that through actions change is possible.

Theaters from every state will band together to simultaneously participate in the Ghostlight Project. Other Connecticut theaters include Goodspeed Musicals, Hartford Stage, Long Wharf Theatre, and Yale Repertory Theatre.

For more information, call 203-227-4177, or visit Westport Country Playhouse, 25 Powers Court, off Route 1, Westport. www.westportplayhouse.org. Facebook (Westport Country Playhouse), Twitter (@WCPlayhouse), YouTube (WestportPlayhouse).

For information about the Ghostlight Project, visit theghostlightproject.com.

The mission of Westport Country Playhouse is to enrich, enlighten, and engage the community through the power of professionally produced theater worth talking about and the welcoming experience of The Playhouse campus. The Playhouse creates this relationship with the community and provides this experience in multiple ways by offering: Live theater experiences of the highest quality, under the artistic direction of Mark Lamos, from May through November; educational and community engagement events and opportunities to further explore issues presented by the work on stage; special performances and programs for students and teachers with extensive curriculum support material; Script in Hand play readings throughout the year to deepen relationships with audiences and artists alike; the renowned Woodward Internship Program during the summer months for aspiring theater professionals; Family Festivities presentations from November through April to delight young and old alike and to promote reading through live theater; and the beautiful and historic Playhouse campus open for enjoyment and community events year-round. The value of the Westport Country Playhouse to all it touches is immeasurable.