Understanding Agápe

Understanding Agápe

(by the way, it’s pronounced ah-GAH-pee)

Any translation will tell you that “agápe” means “love”. But to be really specific, “agápe” is love in action expressed by putting others’ needs above our own. To truly show someone “agápe”, we consider the needs and feelings of others first.

So how does this relate to theatre? Not everyone feels the drive to be onstage, right?

Well, sort of. It’s true – anyone can give or take theatre, music, dance, whatever artform they want to pursue. Each of us can only determine where our own passion lies. At Theatre Agápe, our belief is that once the desired mode of expression has been realized, all barriers to entry should be reduced or eliminated until it’s like they never existed at all.

Our organization was founded with these initial principles:

• Location accessibility should never be a barrier to entry. 
• Cost should never be a barrier to entry. 
• Neurodivergence should never be a barrier to entry. 

By setting out to achieve those goals from the get-go, we have been able to establish our own set of norms:

• Not only is the rehearsal and performance space ADA accessible, but the flexible layout of the performance space and visible ramp onto stage at Disciples Christian Church has allowed us to create a stage that meets our standards. 
• Pay-As-You-Like ticketing means that audience members aren’t locked into paying a specific amount. Whoever wants to experience the show can, and we accept whatever monetary donation they are willing to give. 
• Our world is starting to realize that not all brains function in the same way. It is past the time when accommodations need to be made to make sure anyone who wants to participate is able to.

We know there’s a long way to go before our efforts establish true equity within our work. Still, we want the world to see that we are doing our part to put our service where our art is. 

We are here.