The Spot Shines Light
January 21, 2018
Community, Compassion & Communication
Dayle Ohlau
#TheGhostlightProject
Ghost lights in theatres are traditional symbols used for safety, to energize a space left unoccupied that would typically be dark. Last Friday night at The Spot theatre in Ketchum, it was cold, and it was dark, but there was light. The Spot joined hundreds of theatres across the country on January 19th to encourage a safe space for those who feel targeted because of their race, class, religion, country of origin, immigration status, disability, age, gender identity, sexual identity, or dissident actions. The idea started in theatre companies across the country post the 2016 election when many suddenly felt unsafe in their beliefs and identities.
Those who gathered with their lights Friday night were symbolizing hope for the coming year, wanting greater inclusion, participation, and compassion. “Keeping inclusivity at the forefront of everybody’s mind. And kindness. That’s what this celebration is about for me”, said Kevin Wade, Creative Director.
If you’re not represented fictionally you feel like you don’t exist.
Jordan Ford, a visiting actor from Boulder, Colorado who lives in New York City believes empathy is important for communities to share. “Exploring the world through another person’s point of view, that’s what’s magical about the theatre; inhabiting their circumstances and the situations that they’re in, I think that’s something the world can learn from.”
Many of the creators at The Spot believe that the theatre can be an impetus for conversations. They want to encourage people not to hold discomfort inside, but for the theatre to be a safe space to inspire engagement and active listening through their productions. “Communication is so important”, said one young participant. Added Wade, “Be inviting. Be ready to talk with somebody new. And just be loving.”
Aliki Georgakopoulos of Ketchum shared, “I know so many kids in this community who struggle with their identity. I like the idea of them feeling loved, you know?”
Voices:
- Natalie Battistone, The Spot
- Yanna Lantz, The Spot
- Kevin Wade, The Spot
- Brett Moellenberg, The Spot
- Jordan Ford, visiting actor with The Spot
- Aliki Georgakopoulos, Ketchum
- Various Event Attendees
1.20.18
WOMEN’S MARCH/POWER TO THE POLLS 2018
Molly Page, Indivisible Blaine County, reporting tonight more than 600 people marched this morning in Ketchum.
The Advocates’ Social Change Coordinator Darrel Harris shares what the Women’s March represents and her hope for the community in 2018.
“America, if eligible at all to downfall and ruin, is eligible within herself, not without. Always inform yourself; always do the best you can; always vote.” -Walt Whitman
Idaho Democratic Senator Michelle Stennett
Idaho Sen. Michelle Stennett reminded the crowd that women were the last Americans given the right to vote. Let’s not squander the efforts of so many suffragettes and others, she pleaded. Voting makes for a strong nation, and votes matter.
“We recently celebrated the legacy of Martin Luther King whose powerful words remind us, ‘Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter,’ ” she added. [Eye On Sun Valley]
At the march Muffy Davis announces her candidacy for Idaho House District 26 Seat A!
Muffy Davis was one of the top ranked U.S. Junior Ski Racers in the late 80’s. She was poised to not only be named to the U.S. National Ski Team but, her racing ability would have allowed her to have the chance to attain her childhood dream of competing in the Winter Olympics.
Until early one morning while training on her home mountain in Sun Valley, ID when a freak accident changed the life and course of this Olympic hopeful forever. Skiing at over 45 mph, Muffy went through a safety fence on a downhill training course and hit her head and back on a tree. Miraculously she survived the accident. Once she arrived at the hospital the radiologist on duty was none other than her dad. Horrified that his daughter arrived at the hospital in this condition the news continued to worsen when he found out that Muffy had crushed her back leaving her paralyzed from the chest down. Muffy, her family and the skiing community were devastated. All thoughts of Olympic Gold were gone in a instant. Muffy was at a serious crossroads in her life, she had to make a choice: to simply survive or thrive.
Davis added that it was unacceptable that 78,000 Idahoans can’t get health insurance, nor is it acceptable that Idaho is 48th in the nation in education.
“Here, a year ago in this very location at the first Women’s March in my own community I was motivated by all of you,” Davis said passionately and forcefully as she looked out across 600 men, women and teenagers huddled in Ketchum Town Square.
“I’m running because we need more bold, impassioned voices in Boise speaking out for us today,” she said to raucous cheers. [Eye On Sun Valley]
Professional singer & yoga instructor Tyria Wilson sang the National Anthem, ‘Imagine’, and ‘We Are The World.’
‘There’s a choice we’re making
We’re saving our own lives
It’s true we’ll make a better day, just you and me.’
