Her story, my story, our story
Joan Chittister
A Benedictine Sister of Erie, Joan is a leader in peace and social justice issues, most especially for women. Sister Joan has written over sixty books, most recently Radical Spirit. Joan is the co-founder of the Women's Global Peace Initiative and is an international speaker.
What Joan says about the play
"The work is seamlessly, artfully and movingly welded together. It's a fresh and interesting approach to the notion of the universality of women today. It has heart and substance....great praise!" Joan Chittister
Teri Bays
A singer, writer and actress, Teri premiered off-Broadway at The Duplex and has starred in numerous theatrical productions. A pastoral musician for nearly 40 years, she has recorded two CDs, and wrote Through Stained Glass: the priests of my life. She lives in beautiful Sedona, AZ.
Upcoming Performances
INDIANA
Our Lady of Victory Knolls
Huntington
July 20, 7pm
WISCONSIN...again!
Mount Mary University
Milwaukee
October 25, 2019
PENNSYLVANIA
Joan Chittister Lecture/Event Series
Mercyhurst University, Erie
May 3, 2019
Past Performance Spaces
Sedona, AZ
Si Birch Auditorium,
August 4, 2017
Flagstaff, AZ
Flagstaff Federated Community Church, August 25, 2017
Morristown, NJ
Sophia Community at
St. Mark's Lutheran Church
September 15, 2017
Westfield, NJ
Holy Trinity Catholic Church
September 18, 2017
Santa Rosa, CA
Glaser Auditorium
January 13, 2018
Burlington, VT
St. Michael’s College
Shelburne, VT
Trinity Episcopal Church
Fairport, NY
Church of the Assumption Catholic Church
Press
Read this great review...
By Morristown Green Contributor - September 18, 2017
By Linda Stamato
Some 28 years ago, Teri Bays sent a letter to Benedictine nun Joan Chittister.
“I wish your words were on my lips,” wrote Bays.
They are now…..with stunning and, at times, shocking, effect. The large and appreciative audience gave Ms. Bays a standing, sustained ovation at the conclusion of her performance.
Joan Chittister is a woman for all seasons. With 60 books, 12 honorary degrees, leadership positions too numerous to count, and a global following, this revered author and speaker has had a lot to say about peace, justice, women’s issues and the role of religious life in the modern world.
She certainly has created a presence. And Teri Bays, her disciple, “becomes” her to demonstrate through Chittister’s words–and her own–the profound connection between them. She intensifies Chittister’s impact and makes it at once personal and universal. The performance is deeply affecting.
As Bays moves from left to right on the stage, we hear each woman in various times and places, and witness the strands of experience that connect them.
Bays’ mother was in elementary school with Chittister; both women, as girls, sought refuge from terror in their households that were fueled by their fathers’ alcoholism and abuse.
Seeking freedom from fear, they found solace in books, in their diaries and journals, and in companionship and support in the homes of friends, in Bays’ case, and in Chittister’s, in the Benedictine convent which she joined as a novice in 1952.
Their paths diverge and come together as certain themes emerge: Struggling for standing, engaging in protest, embracing non-denominational spirituality, seeking self-understanding in times of change, teaching to embrace social justice, and loving music.
They both experience and resist intolerance, racism and sexism in the church, and, confidently, distance themselves from it.
Seeking to advance morality over religiosity, they take stands for life–more than birth, living free from poverty and duress–they attack the “enemies of our time: Power and profit,” and they assert their equality, resist silencing, and answer the call to leadership, in different ways to be sure.
As Chittister says, “The church needs women for its salvation,” I heard a strong echo from her disciple and supportive murmurs from the audience.
Bays’ performance is delivered with a heavy hand–Chittister’s compelling words–but also with a light touch–expressing the great good humor of both of these talented, courageous and resilient women.
The Rev. Dennis Crowley of Assumption Church and Bernice Anglin await start of 'Joan Chittister: her Story,' Sept. 15, 2017. Photo by Linda Stamto
Prophets and poets both, they are leading the new way, using public settings, churches, lecture halls and stages to have their voices heard, urging people, as Chittister says, “to live faithfully and to love radically, ” to be public thinkers so as to inspire openness to possibility, resisting retreat to past ways.
Billed as “a one woman play for all women,” Joan Chittister: Her Story, is so much more.
It is a play for men too, and especially for those who wear clerical collars; it is for all those who work for change in the church and more, for those who share faith in humanity, peace, spirituality and common purpose.
Bays’ appearance was supported in part by the Sophia Inclusive Catholic Community, whose roots are solidly in the tradition of Vatican II. Its mission was given a burst of energy and spirit tonight and Sister Joan Chittister and Teri Bays found themselves in good company.
New and long-time friends on the Road
Buddy S. Ajalat
What a gift that Buddy and Carole came to one of my first performances in New Jersey. In 1976 he became my first voice teacher and high school music teacher. We knew each other for 41 years. He died just weeks after this photo but his influence lives on with so many of his students.
Beth Jordan
Beth brought me to Santa Rosa, CA in early 2018, despite being evacuated from her home because of the fires just a month or so earlier. Beth became a supporter early on, spread her good reviews to all she could think of and she continues to cheer me on.
Kathy Felong
Kathy is my Monasteries of the Heart sister. We met for the first time in person at the Reader's Retreat with Joan in 2016 but we had gotten to know one another for almost a year before this through the the MOH, Benedictine website. Here we are on Good Friday, 2018, just after she said, "God's hand is all over this!"
Sr. Pat
Sr. Pat drove down from Vermont to see my first "on the road" performance in New Jersey. She promised to bring me to Vermont and she did! Sr. Pat is a FORCE and I enjoyed every moment I spent with her.
Claire Crowley
So one of the perks of traveling is getting to spend time with family who live in a different time zone! Claire is in her third year at the University of Vermont and it was so great to have lunch with her in Burlington, then have her in the audience that evening and then go out after the performance!
Sr. Pat again!
Sr. Pat not only arranged for a performance at St. Michael's College in Burlington, but she also arranged for another the next night in a charming church in Shelburne, Vermont.
Deb and Virginia and Bentley
The most gracious hosts. We met in Sedona and they made sure they returned to their Iowa home just in time to host me for the WI and Iowa performances.
Stef and Jean
My Monastery of the Heart Sister, Stef from CO is visiting Sedona just in time for the performance and she meets Jean, a member of the Tuesday small faith sharing group
Becki and Jean
Celebrating after the Sedona performance
Is this the cast of Closer Than Ever?
Faithful friends from Flagstaff come down the mountain, returning to Mary Fisher where we performed Closer Than Ever in 2015. Thanks Glenn, Andrew and Rebecca! Jessica (not here) already saw the show!
Some Details about the Play
The Joan Chittister Play...
....runs about one hour with no intermission and tells the story of Joan Chittister, her life and work through scenes, dialogues, actual letters, as well as portions of her books and speeches. The one-woman play portrays two women to tell the story of all women overcoming adversity, abuse. As the play progresses Joan addresses justice themes about life, women, interfaith, and spirituality. A small table, podium, 2 chairs and wireless microphone are needed. joan chittister
Bookings
Interested in a performance near you? There may be another organization or church in your area also interested. Please call or email to see if resources can be shared so a performance can be booked in your area.
Stipend
The usual stipend is $1500. for an anticipated audience up to 300 people, slightly more for larger audiences. In addition, travel and housing expenses are expected.
There is more flexibility if there is more than one performance in an area.
Thank you for inquiring.
To get started
A $500. stipend hold the date and is used for initial travel expenses. A letter of agreement outlines some specifics and groups can use this to determine if a performance is feasible.
The balance of $1000. is due after the performance along with reimbursed travel expenses.
Marketing
Bookings are listed here At www.JoanChittisterThePlay.com
Flyer templates are sent and
postings on FB can be shared.
Other Questions?
Email or call if you have any questions.
928-274-0674
“All, but death, can be adjusted.”
Emily Dickenson
Arizona Performances
Sedona, 2018
June 7, Thursday
7pm
Mary D. Fisher Theatre
Home of the Sedona International Film Festival
Phoenix Area
More Information Soon
Previous AZ Performances
Si Birch Auditorium, Sedona
Methodist Church, Prescott
St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, Sedona
and thanks to Rabbi Alicia Magal for a
Dress Rehearsal at Jewish Community of Sedona and the Verde Valley
Seeking Groups, Churches, Organizations...
BOOKING MILWAUKEE and BOSTON Area Events NOW
Call to book a performance in your area!