Dark Night of the Soul Nov 8

Mysticism, spirituality, sensuality, and raw emotion … Dark Night of the Soul invites you into these embodied depths. Inspired by Spanish mystic poetry and the quest for union with the divine, this show carries us from darkness into light, exploring the soul and its profound intimacies.

Pamela Stephenson Connolly crafts a show that’s both introspective and transformative, tapping into personal experiences and those of her performers. Her vision pushes artistic boundaries, drawing upon the highs and lows of human experience across centuries. Imagine the poetic beauty of a human staircase — one of Pamela's inventive ideas come to life — that physically represents the climb through despair and the search for meaning.

This show’s stunning music by Dan Krysa — rock meets the 16th century — paints vivid pictures without uttering a word, and its choreography mirrors the terror and beauty of finding light in the darkest times. Set in the Renaissance, Dark Night of the Soul depicts historical figures like St. John of the Cross and Teresa of Ávila, whose lives were marked by intense spiritual experiences and trials.

This spare yet lush exploration of the human psyche — first workshopped, in part, for The Dance Project at Key West’s Tennessee Williams Theater — offers a deeply moving experience. Its rich storytelling and hauntingly beautiful dances will linger long after the curtain closes. Experience this powerful, evocative performance connecting the past with the present, and inviting us all to reflect on our own lives.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

San Carlos Institute, 516 Duval Street, Key West, United States