On January 19, 2017 at 5:30 p.m. in each time zone across the country, members of the theater community – from Broadway to regional theaters to high schools and colleges and community theaters – will come together to launch The Ghostlight Project. Columbia’s Trustus Theatre will be participating in this initiative, along with other artists, organizations, and members of the community.

Gathering outside of theaters on the eve of the Presidential Inauguration, people will join in a collective, simultaneous action, together creating “light” for challenging times ahead. 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– regardless of race, class, religion, country of origin, immigration status, (dis)ability, gender identity, or sexual orientation.

January 19th is a moment of gathering within a larger resistance to intolerance at all levels. The project aims to create “brave spaces” that will serve as lights in the coming years. The project endeavors to activate a network of people across the country working to support vulnerable communities. This is not a substitution for protests or direct action, but rather a pledge for continued vigilance and increased advocacy.

“We are very proud to participate in The Ghostlight Project,” said Trustus Artistic Director Chad Henderson. “Supporting the project’s message here in the Midlands and pledging to create an even safer and braver place for the exploration of the many voices in our community is essential. It’s important for Trustus to make this pledge, and vital for the entire arts scene at large.”

Those who want to participate are asked to bring their unlit phone lights, flashlights, and other lighting implements to the entryway of the Trustus Side Door Theatre just before 5:30pm on January 19 th . After speakers (to be announced) address the importance and impact of social justice in our community, participants will shine their lights in an affirmation of solidarity. Trustus will also be lighting their actual ghost light designed by Clark Ellifson, and it will remain in a visible location inside the theatre to stand as a beacon and an ongoing reminder of this pledge for the next four years in the Congaree Vista.

Participants will also be invited to fill out signs provided by The Ghostlight Project that can tell the world what they’re fighting for by posting pictures with the hashtags: #ghostlightproject #allarewelcome #bealight.

The Ghostlight Project at Trustus Theatre will initiate at 5:30pm on January 19 th outside of the Trustus Side Door Theatre. For more information please visit the website of the national movement: https://theghostlightproject.com/