“The Knitting Pilgrim”: Palgrave United Community Kitchen to host unique show

Performance from Kirk Dunn set for November 2

By ZACHARY ROMAN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A unique show is coming to Caledon this fall.

On November 2, the Palgrave United Community Kitchen (PUCK) will host actor and knitter Kirk Dunn for his show, The Knitting Pilgrim. 

The show runs from 7 to 9 p.m. and PUCK is located at 34 Pine Avenue. Tickets to the show are $40 for adults and $20 for students and can be purchased by calling 905-880-0303 or emailing info@palgravekitchen.org.

PUCK bills The Knitting Pilgrim as a “multidisciplinary one-man show that combines personal storytelling, image projection, and three huge knitted panels that look like stained glass windows to explore the connection among the Abrahamic faiths: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.”

The Knitting Pilgrim is a show directed by Jennifer Tarver and performed by Dunn. It's been performed over 85 times in countries like Canada, the United States, Austria and Germany.

The show, which premiered in 2019, has received many rave reviews. 

The program features Dunn's hand-knit artwork, Stitched Glass. It's a triptych of large panels knit in the style of stained glass windows, and looks at the commonalities and conflicts among the Abrahamic faiths. Stitched Glass took Dunn 15 years to complete and is made of over 90 pounds of knitting.

Dunn said the hope of his performance has always been to create conversation and contribute to the conversation about xenophobia, Antisemitism and Islamophobia.

“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,” said Dunn.

Knitting during Dunn's show is encouraged, and attendees can bring their own knitting or use yarn and needles Dunn will provide.