Feb 8, 2023
At the outset of the pandemic, writer and theatre director, Dennis Garnhum found himself facing a crisis of confidence and the despair that so many artists around the world were experiencing when their primary venues for creative expression went dark. Garnhum, who has directed theatre and opera productions across North America, has written and co-written several award-winning plays and adaptations and is generally acknowledged to be one of the country’s most admired and highly respected Artistic Directors, felt completely lost. Surrounded by a loving community, he agreed to withdraw his letter of resignation as Artistic Director of the Grand Theatre in London, and instead pick up a backpack, buy a plane ticket and head to Spain to tackle a grueling 830 km Camino walk. A choice that would prove to be a kind of personal rehearsal hall allowing him to commit fully to the work of reigniting his creative spirit.
As he walked, he captured moments in writing and upon returning published Toward Beauty, in which he poignantly shares his discoveries through the relationships with fellow pilgrims and most essentially, through the deepening of his relationship with himself. Throughout the book, Garnhum’s story shines a light on the power of the human spirit to overcome heartbreak and fear and move toward beauty on soft step at a time.