Mass for Shut-Outs by Tanya Davis

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.

Content Advisory
Mass for Shut-Outs features mature content, brief mentions of sexuality, and some strong language. It explores queer and religious trauma and institutional harms while addressing faith, politics, and spirituality.
This show may inspire joy, nostalgia, contemplation, disconcertment, anger, laughter, sense of community, heartache, and/or reflection.

Content includes:
Colonization and Residential Schools
Homophobia/Transphobia
Catholic practices
Queer joy
Options for participation

Audience Notes
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.