When art is an act of courage

Last week I did something a little different and traded my seat in a live theatre for one in the other type, by attending the Sundance Film Festival. During the time I was there, I saw short films, premieres, and legacy showings — all of which entertained and moved me to some degree. But for my last night at the festival, there was something more impactful in store for me, something that would hit home as a theatre artist and make me think of my own art community at home. I went to a screening of The Friend’s House is Here; written and directed by Maryam Ataei and Hossein Keshavarz, the film won the US Dramatic Special Jury Award for Ensemble Cast.

I don’t know what I was expecting going in, but I didn’t think I’d leave the theatre nearly speechless, ruminating in thoughts about the art and performance in my own life. Without spoiling too much (because I highly recommend you all see this movie) it follows two best friends in Tehran, one of whom writes and acts in illegal underground theatre. And if the film itself wasn’t a powerful enough reminder of the freedom of art and expression in our country, the Q&A with the filmmakers truly cemented my gratitude for our liberties, particularly in the creation of art. They spoke of how creating the film was its own act of defiance: shot entirely in secret and smuggled out of Iran just in time for the festival.

I left the festival with a renewed fervor to take advantage of the possibilities open to me. Going to the theatre, ballet, opera, or symphony doesn’t take subterfuge. Artists don’t have to hide or worry about being arrested. We can so easily enter a performance space as an audience member or performer. The only thing holding us back is ourselves. Freedom of art and speech aren’t guaranteed. With this in mind, I intend to enjoy the privileges we have now and I encourage you to do the same. — Ciara

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On the Stage

Monty Python’s Spamalot

Theatre | 5th Avenue Theatre
Now – February 15 | Tickets

The musical comedy lovingly ripped off from the film classic, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, has everything that makes a great knight at the theatre, from flying cows to killer rabbits, British royalty to French taunters, dancing girls, rubbery shrubbery, and of course, the Lady of the Lake.

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More Events

• Here There Are Blueberries | Seattle Rep | Now – February 15 | View Program
  • Open Captioned: February 11
• Baskerville | Village Theatre Issaquah | Now – February 22 | View Program
  • ASL Interpreted: February 7
• The Head and The Heart | Seattle Symphony | February 6 | View Print Program
• Peppa Pig: My First Concert | Tacoma Arts Live | February 7 | View Print Program
• The Wiz | Broadway at The Paramount | February 10 – 15 | View Program

Next Line

• Seattle Opera’s 2026/27 season has been announced! With classics like Salome and celebrated new creations like El último sueño de Frida y Diego, the season pushes the boundaries on a timeless artform.
• Check out the creative team that is bringing new life to Anton Chekhov’s classic comedies at Intiman Theatre’s Cabaret this April.