The presentations are part of The Loyola Project, a Jesuit-led exploration of the connections between the performing arts and a faith that does justice. The project is an attempt to bring the craft of theater and relevant social issues together in a way that is compelling and challenging to the artists, audience and the community.
Organizers hope to engage the Spokane community in the project.
Each performance consists of four short plays performed together with the intention of creating an evening that uses the lives of specific saints as portals of discovery about issues of social justice and suffering. The performances also will provide an experience of collaboration for the participants and a way to raise money for charity. Playwright Erik Ehn employs a highly theatrical, nonlinear writing style that combines wit and poetry to bring these saints alive and challenge the audience to conversion of heart. He will conduct writing workshops to generate one of the four plays. Catholic Charities operates The House of Charity, a drop-in center for the homeless that serves two meals a day to some 100 people.