Director's Statement

“When writing the script, Hill and Ward drew from rites of passage ceremonies from all over the world as well as personal stories shared through written submissions, and community dialogue workshops facilitated by guest artist Janet Haley.  ‘We went into this production with a lot of big questions about rites of passage. What do we lose and what do we gain as we end childhood, graduate, marry or retire? What dies and what is born? Are we observing our own rites of passage in a healthy way? We talked to people willing to share their unique stories and conflicting feelings about their own rites of passage. Then we used the best of what theatre can offer—talented actors, exceptional scene design, expressive music and movement and most of all a powerful message—to look at these critical, momentous questions and to see where the answers might lead us,’ Hill commented. Ward added, ‘The personal statements we have gathered from the community are remarkable in their universality. Indeed, anyone sitting in the theater will be convinced the life experiences being described on stage are their own. In fact, we are convinced every person will hear their own words being spoken even if they did not share those words with us themselves. And we hope that human connection will offer powerful lessons in self-discovery, tolerance and acceptance.’

Rites of Passage

“Rites of Passage” community dialogue designer and facilitator, Spring 2011

Turning Points, Flint Youth Theatre mainstage production, Fall 2011