The diverse and transformative BorderLight Theatre Festival will return to Playhouse Square in July for four days of performances in theater, dance, circus arts, immersive experiences, the spoken word, puppetry, street theater, and stand-up comedy. Half of the festival’s programming will be performed by artists from Northeast Ohio.

In the meantime, the organizers of the grassroots nonprofit theater organization are offering a taste of last year’s performances with a fundraising event on Thursday, March 20 with a performance of the 2024 Audience Choice Award-winning play, “I Wear My Dead Sister’s Clothes.”

The Northeast Ohio public is invited to an exclusive evening of powerful storytelling and community connection in the ballroom of the historic George G.G. Peckham House in Shaker Heights.

Written and performed by Cleveland playwright, teacher, and actor Amy Schwabauer, this deeply personal one-woman show captivated audiences during the 2024 festival with its raw, honest exploration of love, loss, and the unexpected ways we find healing through the clothing left behind by those we’ve lost.

Schwabauer is known for her intimate, autobiographical storytelling and ability to connect deeply with audiences. Her work often blends humor and heartbreak, drawing from her own life experiences to explore themes of identity, family, and resilience. The work illustrates Schwabauer’s unique style—both poignant and relatable, in a story of grief and transformation that resonates long after the final scene.

"Amy Schwabauer’s ‘I Wear My Dead Sister’s Clothes’ is a raw, fearless, and deeply moving solo performance that blends humor and heartbreak,” says BorderLight founder, executive, and artistic director Dale Heinen. “It’s the kind of work that lingers with audiences, making them laugh, cry, and reflect all at once. It’s no surprise it won the Audience Choice Award at the 2024 festival."

The intimate performance offers a rare opportunity to experience Schwabauer’s award-winning play in an extraordinary setting. Following the performance, attendees are invited to a post-show reception featuring drinks, small bites, and the chance to meet the artist.

The George G.G. Peckham HouseOrganizers call Peckham House a perfect fit for the event. Built by automobile tycoon George Peckham, who founded the Peckham Motorcar Company in Dayon, for grand entertaining, the home features a stunning ballroom with a stage, making it an ideal setting for an intimate yet powerful one-person show like “My Dead Sister’s Clothes.”

In the past BorderLight has staged performances in elevators, cars, private clubs, and homes—proving that theater isn’t confined to traditional stages.

All proceeds from the evening directly support the 2025 BorderLight Theatre Festival. "This event is a crucial opportunity to ensure BorderLight’s future and our ability to present bold, innovative theatre in Cleveland,” says Heinen. “Audience support at this fundraiser helps us continue to create space for artists pushing boundaries and telling stories that resonate deeply."

The event on Thursday, March 20 runs from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tickets to the event are $125 for general admission; $225 for VIP, which includes premium seating, a special gift, and a personal acknowledgement from the stage. The address of Peckham House will be provided to guests upon ticket purchase.

Seating is extremely limited, and due to the historic nature of the home the performance space is not ADA accessible. The reception, however, will take place on the ground level of the home.