The Knitting Pilgrim

Directed by Jennifer Tarver, and performed by actor, writer, and knitter Kirk Dunn, The Knitting Pilgrim is a multidisciplinary one-person theatrical experience that uses storytelling, image projection, and a one-of-a-kind textile installation called Stitched Glass. The show comes to the Osprey Arts Centre on Thursday, May 25th at 7:30pm!

The Knitting Pilgrim, which premiered at the Aga Khan Museum’s Auditorium in May 2019 and has toured Ontario for 50+ shows, was given 6 out of 5 stars by CFMU Hamilton, 5 out of 5 stars by Mooney on Theatre, and was named a Critic’s Fringe Pick in Toronto, Ottawa, and Hamilton, as well as One of ‘Top Ten Shows to See’ by NOW Magazine. It tells the story of a journey that you need to experience.

Created by actor, writer, and knitter Kirk Dunn, Stitched Glass is a triptych of large hand-knitted panels, designed in the style of stained-glass windows, which looks at the commonalities and conflicts among the Abrahamic faiths: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The textile masterwork was supported by a Chalmers Foundation grant through the Ontario Arts Council in 2003, and took Kirk an incredible 15 years to complete. There is no other knitting project like it in the world.

Kirk and seasoned writer Claire Ross Dunn co-wrote The Knitting Pilgrim, which uses the Stitched Glass panels – collectively over 90 pounds of knitting – as its set. The play recounts Kirk’s artistic and spiritual journey of hand-knitting the project, and his hope to contribute to the vital conversation about xenophobia, Antisemitism, Islamophobia, dealing with internal/external strife, and fear of the other.

“The hope has always been to create conversation,” says Kirk, who sought out Christian, Muslim, and Jewish consultants to help him research and design the artwork and, more personally, to learn about the feelings and experiences of others. “A conversation between all people—believers and non-believers—who find themselves in conflict. How can we better understand and empathize with each other? Everyone has a unique background, point of view, and experience, and at the same time, many experiences are universal. Focusing on what knits us together, rather than what pulls us apart, is a place to start.”

Knitting is encouraged during the show if audience members are so inclined—Kirk has yarn and needles to give out onstage. People can also Bring Their Own Knitting (#BYOK). Kirk is using the audience’s knitting to assemble a giant Moebius Strip, a curiously paradoxical object that has significance in the play.

Tickets: $30/adults, $15/students