Quote of the Day: a poem by Robin Wall Kimmerer, included in the program for Terce at Theatre Elision

I want to stand by the river
in my finest dress.
I want to sing,
strong and hard,
and stomp my feet
with a hundred others
so that the waters hum
with our happiness.
I want to dance for the renewal of the world.

Cast of Terce with Christine Wade, at Theatre Elision, thru 5/17/26. Photo: Jolie Morehouse Olson

The above poem describes beautifully the experience of attending a performance of Terce, a practical breviary, by Heather Christian, on stage at Theatre Elision through May 17, 2026. It is a unique theatrical experience that starts from the minute you walk into the performance space. Chairs are set up into the set to allow seating on the sides as well as in the raised platform area with traditional seating. The room in draped in greenery, ivy, and flowers. The women enter wearing sheer off-white or green veils. The costumes of shades of green, white and cream colors (designed by Cally Ahlin). They remove the veils, or another woman peels it off, and they place them in a basket. They gather, somewhere in the forest, where they can take off the veil and be themselves in communion with other women. It’s like a religious service in structure, captions and images are projected at the back of the stage area. The music takes you from a gathering song and Kyrie to a blessing as we go on our way. At times a soloist will go up to a microphone to sing. The rest chant or sing harmonies. And, always there is the beat of the drum, or stomping of feet, a humming, and movement. At first, I thought, I want to be part of this show, and by the end, realized that I was part of it. I moved and sighed with the performers. (I was seated in one of the chairs surrounding the edges of the performing space.) I tapped my fingers, toes, feet, and bobbed my head. When the women took in a collective breath, I breathed with them and let it out.

Cast of Terce, with soloist Natalie Dulka, at Theatre Elision, thru 5/17/26. Photo: Jolie Morehouse Olson

Once again, Christine and Harrison Wade have uncovered a hidden gem. I am always amazed at the interesting and intricate work that the find and do in their intimate space at Elision Playhouse. Harrison is Music Director and on keys. Christine is a performer, piano player, and vocal director. Joni Griffith is on violin and the choreographer. The movement was both strong and dynamic, beautiful and graceful. At times I pictured fairies in the forest, at other times, strong women holding up their hands in protest, lending strength and grace to each other. I didn’t catch every word of the songs, but one that stood out was about mercy, and a line from that, “have mercy on yourself.” As they sang, I thought about how hard women are on themselves for not living up to a perceived standard of living and body image. 

Artwork projections for Terce at Theatre Elision, thru 5/17/26.

As usual, the instrumentalists are on stage with the performers, and several of them do double duty, playing an instrument in some songs, and singing and dancing in others. It’s a beautiful celebration of women, motherhood, mother earth, nature, nurturing, and communion with others. 

Go to Theatre Elision website for more information on the show and for tickets and showtimes, running through May 17, with a 9:00 am performance time next Sunday. 

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt: How does nature heal and inspire you?