The Amish Project
by Jessica Dickey

Thoughts from the Director…

Inspired by true events in Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania in 2006, this powerful play explores the challenging path of forgiveness. At the centre of the story is Carol, the gunman's widow, who must not only wrestle with questions about the man she loves but with the outpouring of generosity from those most affected by the tragedy. 

How could the Amish forgive such a thing?

I frequently refer to myself as an aspiring pacifist. I say it in part to be funny but also because it’s true: I want to turn the other cheek, see the best in people, love unreservedly. But this is a broken world and I know how difficult truly living in peace with one another is. This play – and the events that inspired it – are remarkable. Whether or not we are people of faith, the idea of forgiving something so horrific is unfathomable. How – on earth – is it possible? That’s the great question of this play. Although Jessica Dickey did not interview any of the individuals involved in the actual incident in Nickel Mines in 2006, the facts of the story are very close to the truth. But Dickey is not interested in facts. She is interested in what happens when ordinary people encounter extraordinary grace. She is interested in taking us on a journey into the minds of individuals whose actions inspire or require forgiveness. She is interested in challenging us to examine our own hearts as we ask, “How could the Amish forgive such a thing?”

As we ponder the question, may we take the play’s advice to “Keep looking”.

Angela Konrad

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