Finding Common Ground through Theater

Calvary Women’s Services had the opportunity last week to join the Theater Alliance for the world premiere of Spark, a play featuring strong female leads that delves into themes including recovery from trauma, poverty, strained relationships and healing. During the play’s September run, the Theater Alliance partnered with Operation Homefront, WAVE and Calvary Women’s Services, and engaged these nonprofit organizations in conversations on the themes that Spark explores.

On September 18, two Calvary volunteers joined Communications Associate Amanda Griesser at the Anacostia Playhouse for one of the performances. Following the show, they had an opportunity to talk with the actors and director about the story and its challenging themes. Audience members also had the opportunity to speak with Calvary volunteers during the intermission and learn more about ways they can get involved.

Spark focuses on a female veteran who struggles to re-adjust to home and family life in her small, rural hometown after active service. One aspect of the play that stood out was the main character’s hesitance to trust others – even members of her own family. Amanda says this reminded her of some of the experiences shared among women at Calvary and the process of re-building trust. Spark’s message of women taking care of each other through adversity also resonated with Amanda as she thought about the supportive relationships that are formed at Calvary.

The Theater Alliance’s mission is “to develop, produce, and present socially conscious, thought-provoking work that fully engages our community in active dialogue.” We thank the Theater Alliance for inviting Calvary to be part of this unique opportunity, and for advancing important discussions within our community!

Spark focuses on a female veteran’s harsh re-integration and her relationship with her sisters. Photo provided by the Theater Alliance.

Sisters holding onto one another during Spark. Photo provided by the Theater Alliance.