About Mass for Shut-Outs
Mass for Shut-Outs is a multidisciplinary performance that plays with the shape of a Catholic mass to ask new questions, challenge old stories, and dismantle the gatekeepers’ fortress. Written and performed by Tanya Davis, with musical support from Carlie Howell, Mass for Shut-Outs is a rousing and poetic take on Sunday service, with orature, music, and opportunities for play and communion.
It features verse dressed as prayer, monologue mimicking homily, joyful singalong, and sombre reflection. It is designed for those of us on the spiritual fringes, who also seek meaning and connection, even while being historically shut out of—or disinterested in—traditional communities of faith, their liturgy, and their institutions.
Mass for Shut-Outs is a shout out to anyone grappling with the complexity of faith, the inconsistency of awe, and the politics of organized religion. It is for atheists seeking connection, agnostics asking questions, and believers kindly curious about other people’s gods.
Watch a preview!
Know Before You Go!
PLAIN LANGUAGE DESCRIPTION: A poetic take on Sunday service, exploring enduring questions through a queer, critical, and comedic lens.
AUDIENCE EXPERIENCE: Audiences will be prompted to stand, kneel, sit, and sing along, but there is no pressure to participate which is communicated during the show. There may or may not be bouncy balls.
AGE RATING: 18A (Click below for more information.)
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Discussed/Suggested Content: Colonization and Residential Schools, Homophobia/Transphobia, Catholic practices, Queer joy
Depicted Content: There are two characters. One is dressed vaguely like a priest and stands at a kind of pulpit, the other is dressed like a sexy organ player, which they are.
VENUE ACCESS NOTES: Mass for Shut-Outs will take place downtown (102 Avenue and 123 Street) at Robertson-Wesley United Church. There are two entrances to the church. Both doors are on the 123 Street facing side. One door is up a set of stairs that leads directly to the main chapel (our performance venue) and a second door is about 30-40 feet north of the main door that is stepless. Both doors will be monitored and will have access to the performance space. The venue is wheelchair accessible with accessible washrooms. ASL interpretation will be available Friday, July 10.
Cast and Creative Team!
Tanya Davis Creator & Performer
Carlie Howell Musical Support
Jordan Beaulieu Art/Graphic Design
Lindsay Connolly Administration