Occasionally, I leave aside the misery of politics, poverty, patrimonialism, and provisos that make life difficult. Tonight was one of those times.

Gwen and I spent the evening at North Vancouver’s Presentation House Theatre, enjoying a joyful production of Lerner and Loewe’s Brigadoon by the North Shore Light Opera Society, a group in its 78th year.

Because we arrived early, we were able to sit in the front row of this intimate theatre. There is something special about being so close to the performers that you can see every expression and gesture. The mainstage seats only about 150 people, yet more than 20 performers filled the stage during the opening. Four were members of the Ford family: mother, father, and two daughters, the youngest still in Grade 4. A few were elders who had probably been amateur performers for decades.

People join community groups such as the North Shore Light Opera Society for the love of performing, not for financial reward. For some of the younger cast members, professional opportunities may come later. For now, like the others, the young folks perform for the pleasure of creating something together and sharing it with an audience.

On a night when the news presentations can be discouraging, it was refreshing to spend a few hours enjoying music, enthusiasm, talent, and joy.

Performances like the one Gwen and I experienced in this small North Vancouver theatre may be available in your community. Our program listed nearly 20 upcoming productions in the lower mainland—most in intimate venues, some in unconventional spaces, and others in long-established locations.

Community theatre is one of our quiet treasures. It brings together people of all ages who volunteer their time and talents to create something larger than themselves. If you have not attended a local production recently, consider giving it a try. You may discover remarkable talent near your home and experience the pleasure of music, drama, laughter, and the company of neighbours.

Performances scheduled in the coming months listed in our program tonight were