EXCLUSIVE: Cursed Child Set Designer Shares Vision for The Ghostlight Project

Jan 18, 2017

Posted by: Kim McChesney

Broadway, Christine Jones, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, News

Christine Jones, Tony Award-winning set designer for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, has spoken to Leaky about being among three dozen leaders in the theater community that have created The Ghostlight Project (announced earlier as The Sanctuary Project).

On the eve of the launch of the initiative, Jones has shared her vision for the project in the quote below given exclusively to Leaky and how the motivation behind the effort directly relates to Cursed Child:

“”Be a Light”

“Each night around the world, ghost lights are lit and left on the stage to burn through the night and keep the ghosts company. On January 19th, we light our lights to keep the living company day and night, to remind ourselves that each of us has a light within that we can share regardless of race, class, religion, country of origin, immigration status,disability, age, gender, or sexual orientation. When multiple sources of light are gathered they combine to create beautiful illuminations.”

Christine then explained that her work on the set of Cursed Child has a message of light and acceptance quite literally at its heart:

“Meanwhile, at London’s Palace Theatre and engraved onto the front of the set for The Cursed Child is the phrase, “Inlustret Lumine” (let the light shine)… as theatre artists we stand in the light to reflect light outwards and inwards.

She then gave a closing remark of her happiness in leading such a brilliant project:

“I am honored to be part of The Ghostlight Project, and intend to use my involvement as a platform for continued service within the walls of our theatres, and supportive action beyond the walls of our theatres.”

As previously reported by Leaky hereparticipating members of the theater community – from Broadway to regional theaters to high schools and colleges and community theaters – will gather outside their respective institutions to launch The Ghostlight Project on January 19, 2017 at 5:30pm in each time zone across the US. Inspired by the theatrical tradition of keeping a “ghost light” on in a darkened theater, participants will collectively create light for the challenging times ahead.

Image result for images of Harry Potter and Cursed Child set

Her intention for the initiative coincides with the ideologies stated in the project’s Action Statement:

“We aim to create brave spaces that will serve as lights in the coming years. We aim to activate a network of people across the country working to support vulnerable communities.”

The project defines a brave space as a space where:

  • It is safe to be who you are, regardless of race, class, religion, country of origin, immigration status, (dis)ability, age, gender identity, or sexual orientation.  
  • Diverse opinions, dissent, and argument are not only tolerated, but invited.
  • Active listening and courageous exchange are fundamental values.
  • Collective action, activism, and community engagement, both within and outside the walls of the theater, are cultivated, encouraged, and supported.

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In addition to Christine Jones, the following leaders of the theater community are guiding the project:

Claudia Alick, Saheem Ali, Daniel Beaty, Alexandra Billings, Sammi Cannold, P. Carl, Rachel Chavkin, Lear deBessonet, Sarah Flamm, Rachel Hauck, David Henry Hwang, Christine Jones, Moises Kaufman, Mia Katigbak, Jenny Koons, Lisa Kron, Tina Landau, Lorin Latarro, Zhailon Livingston, Rebecca Martinez, Jennifer McGrath, Okieriete Onaodowan, Lisa Peterson, Sam Pinkleton, Clint Ramos, Randy Reyes, Leigh Silverman, Kristyn Smith, Rachel Sussman, Jeanine Tesori, Liesl Tommy, Stephanie Ybarra, and David Zinn

Hundreds of theaters across the United States have joined the effort since we first reported on the project last month. Click here to see a current list of participating organizations as of January 16.

To join the Ghostlight Project click here to visit their website. “Inlustret Lumine–Be A Light”





The Leaky Cauldron is not associated with J.K. Rowling, Warner Bros., or any of the individuals or companies associated with producing and publishing Harry Potter books and films.