Notes from Janet Haley, Assistant Professor of Theatre and Project Director of the Glen-Wood: Restoration of Spirit Project:

Restoration of Spirit seeks to increase community spirit and pride by way of engaging local audiences with a nearly-forgotten historical place, Glenwood Cemetery.  In 1857 it was established as a Rural Cemetery, a public, park-like place for all residents to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life.  It was created as a place to stroll, to picnic, to breathe clean air.  It was a place to gather with family and friends in gentle recreation.  It was a place to lay ancestors to rest…as well as daily troubles.

We believe these 19th century intentions for public use can be activated within our 21st century community…and we hope to raise awareness for this treasure of local history and outdoor beauty with community-based, community-created performance.

An original theatre production entitled Glen-Wood: Restoration of Spirit will be created from interviews and scholarly/historical research.  The creative team is comprised of UM-Flint faculty, students and community partners such as Glenwood Cemetery and Genesee County Historical Society.  Academic articles will be published about the making of this project, and archival documentation of the process will be featured in writings for publication.  The performance will tour the grounds of Glenwood Sept 23-Oct 3, 2010.
Restoration of Spirit is the recipient of a 2010 Arts of Citizen fellowship with UM-Ann Arbor’s Ginsberg Center.

DATES TO REMEMBER

Community Conversation and Project Open House
Saturday, August 7, 2010 (2-5 pm) on the grounds of Glen-Wood Cemetery, 2500 E. Court Street, Flint, MI
An opportunity for the creative team & cast to engage with the public about the project, gather stories and experiences from community for the script, and promote the production. Do you have a story to share of Glenwood Cemetery? Do you have questions or thoughts to share? We’d love to hear!

Performance Dates
September 23 through October 3, 2010
Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday – Twilight Performances
Each twilight performance will be followed by refreshments and conversation.
Performances take place on the grounds of Glen-Wood Cemetery, 2500 E. Court Street, Flint, MI
Information on performance times, ticket prices, how to reserve tickets, etc. coming soon.

For more information, email us at [email protected]

See photos, post stories, ask questions on the Facebook page:
http://www.hs.facebook.com/pages/Glen-Wood-Restoration-of-Spirit/139991829351317