DARK GLASS THEATRE

See face to face

MANDATE

Dark Glass Theatre exists to tell stories that enable us to see face to face people we might not otherwise meet, thereby decreasing judgement, increasing compassion, and fostering empathy.

VISION

We believe that one of the most damaging forces at work in our world is the demonizing of the “other.” Whether separated by trauma, social standing, religion, race, sexual orientation, geography, age, or gender, breaking down barriers begins with a willingness to see beyond labels like “oppressed” and “oppressor.” As we come face to face with another’s perspective, without judgement, we are empowered to act in love. And that action can change the world.

We aspire to tell stories that build bridges between groups or individuals separated by discord or trauma, and to equip individuals to explore and express their own stories of forgiveness and healing.

We will accomplish this through:

  • Productions of existing plays with relevant themes
  • Commissioned original plays that tell true stories of living people
  • Collaboratively created pieces in which participants enact their own and others’ stories of forgiveness.
  • Dissemination of ideas through presentations, workshops, academic conferences, and publications
PEOPLE

Angela Konrad

Artistic Director

Angela Konrad is a director, teacher, and dramaturge, who has been working in theatre for more than 20 years. She has had the privilege of directing several productions for Pacific Theatre, including Margaret Edson’s Wit; Emil Sher’s Mourning Dove; Arlene Hutton’s Last Train to Nibroc; and Marsha Norman’s Traveler in the Dark; as well as Craig Wright’s Grace, which won Jessie awards for Outstanding Direction and Outstanding Production. For Glass City Theatre, Angela directed Stephen Adly Guirgis’ Jesus Hopped the ‘A’ Train, which won the Jessie for Outstanding Production, as well as awards for lead actor and lighting design. Angela has experience in many areas of theatre, from costume design to administration to marketing. She is Chair of the Theatre program at Trinity Western University where she directs regularly and teaches acting and directing.

Jessica Garden

Associate Producer

An artist, administrator, and passionate social justice advocate, Jessica studied theatre and literature at Trinity Western University and worked for many years in property management. She is thrilled to work in a place where her administrative skills, love of literature, and theatre experience can all come out and play. There is nothing she’d rather do than tell meaningful stories through the theatrical arts.

ADVISORY

Myron Penner, Director, Humanitas Centre
Scott Campbell, Advancement Director, MCC BC
Diana Squires, Director of Programs, Inner Hope Youth Ministries
Alexa Devine, Co-founder, Horseshoes and Hand Grenades Theatre

SPONSORS

We are grateful to TWU’s School of the Arts, Media + Culture for sponsoring our production of disPLACE. For more about SAMC, go to www.twu.ca/samc

If you would like to sponsor Dark Glass Theatre, email us!

PAST PRODUCTION

Dark Glass Theatre’s inaugural production

disPLACE: Refugee Stories in Their Own Words

ENCORE PRESENTATION (past)
March 2 – 5, 2017
Abbotsford, Richmond, Vancouver

More Info

GET INVOLVED
VOLUNTEER

As with any theatre company, there is always lots to do! If you are inspired by the vision for Dark Glass Theatre and want to know how you can help, email us! There are opportunities for everything from putting up posters to painting sets. We welcome your involvement.

SUBSCRIBE

Want to find out about future projects? Join our mailing list!

DONATE/SUPPORT

We have big dreams for Dark Glass Theatre. And those dreams take money. If you would like to help us tell stories that can change the world, please consider becoming a financial partner.

There are many ways to help – one-time donation, monthly support, or by becoming a patron. All donations are tax deductible and all will grow and sustain the activities of Dark Glass Theatre.

Donate Now

Contact Us

To get involved, email:
darkglasstheatre@gmail.com

Tell Stories

Tell stories that enable audiences to experience greater understanding of and compassion for ‘the other’

Build Bridges

Build bridges between groups or individuals separated by discord or trauma

Explore & Express

Equip individuals to explore and express their own stories of forgiveness and healing, generating increased empathy in themselves and audiences

HOW IT WORKS

As we watch a play, we are transported into another’s story, walking alongside and sharing in the joy and pain of a fellow human being. Compassion begins with a basic understanding that we are all the same – as children of God, we are created in love, designed to be lovable and loving. But circumstances and choices shape who we become. As we identify with others on stage – people who are not two-dimensionally represented on a silver screen or buried within the pages of a book but living and breathing right in front of us – we are confronted with our common bond. We can no longer judge the “characters” as we consider the world from their point of view.

Theatre also provides a platform to tell personal stories. For people crippled by shame or corroded by anger, the opportunity to share their pain can be life-giving. Research shows that those who endure harmful experiences are greatly assisted by telling their stories because human connection is central to healing. Theatre is an intensely collaborative process which immerses participants in the realization that they are not alone. Giving voice to those who do not feel heard, and bringing to life experiences that might otherwise remain hidden, grows empathy for both actors and audience.

  • We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love.

    Martin Luther King, Jr

DARK GLASS THEATRE

An initiative of the Humanitas Anabaptist-Mennonite Centre, Dark Glass Theatre is founded on the idea that empathy can change the world; that as we learn to know others and know ourselves, we unleash the power of our common humanity; that personal stories of shame, forgiveness, and restoration free us from judgement and enable us to see each other more clearly; and that this process can bring about a compassionate revolution.

My own eyes
are not enough for me.
I will see through
the eyes of others.

C.S. Lewis