Name: Where Hope Is: Stories of Benedictine Influence
Start: 2024-06-30T14:30:00-04:00
Location: 160 E Front St, Erie, PA 16507-1554, United States

"Where Hope Is: Stories of Benedictine Influence" is a new interview-based theater production by playwright Jenn Bokoch Gillett. The play reflects a snapshot-in-time - 1960s to 1980s - of the influence of the Benedictine Sisters of Erie. It is created from a dozen conversations culled from more than 60 interviews conducted by Jenn with St. Benedict Academy (SBA) alumnae, Benedictine sisters, and others whose lives were shaped and are still being shaped by the sisters.
The story is one of spirituality, community, and steadfastness in facing questions of meaning, faith, and gospel accountability, that challenged thinking and instilled young women with a sense of their own worth and power. It's a story of prophetic voices and compassionate commitment to those denied a place at any table. It's a women's story of ongoing potential for new generations seeking connection and meaning today.
The scenes that the actors will portray on stage will be combined with short projected video clips of actual interviews in the creative telling of this women's story.
Jenn Bokoch Gillett is a documentary theater-maker residing in New York City. Her mother and her aunt were SBA graduates, and she grew up hearing intriguing stories about their high school years- which is the connection, the motivation, and the inspiration behind this new work. Director Ashley Renee Thaxton-Stevenson and six actors will accompany her from New York to present "Where Hope Is."
More information can be found at eriebenedictines.org
The event will be held at Hirt Auditorium at Blasco Memorial Library- Parking is free, and the theater is fully accessible. Tickets are $10.