Nearly 40 people stayed for our post-show discussion last night. One person commented that there didn't seem to be much hope in this play. In response, some saw glimmers of hope if not in the words of the people who were interviewed, at least in the performance itself and the dialogue/ hope that it might inspire.
Is there hope for peace between warring tribes.... ever? Or is it in our human DNA to stay insularly tribal?
Attending the play this evening, I'm curious to find out what is meant by "hope vs. hopelessness."
According to answers.com, it is archaic to define hope as "confidence, trust." It is more common for us to see "hope" as a mere wish ... a desire. Call me old fashioned, but I cling to the former definition.
I hope to find hope in tonight's production. Either way, I'm looking forward to it.
Posted by: AdamMoskal | 01/30/2010 at 12:38 PM
A remarkable production that had us talking and processing for hours!
Structurally, I thoroughly appreciated the shared-storytelling. It set the scene well and guided the audience to identify the cultural distinctions between the two hurting people groups. Additionally, it provided a strong foundation, a justification, for the bold choices each actress brought to the interviews.
During the Q&A, I was amazed at how the audience (and being there I count myself), were able to keep the story at a safe distance. There were questions about NYC and Crown Heights and "those people" and "their pain." No one seemed to notice, or at least have the courage to articulate, the nearness and commonness of these battlefields. What about St. Louis? Who yearns for an apology, for retribution, for change? And who is to blame?
The characters, like all of us, want desperately to be able to explain it away, to cover it up, to blame someone or something. Roz tries to stand up for humanity, saying it was an accident and we all can make mistakes. Yet, she keeps to herself and can't possibly love her neighbor. Here I noted the absence of love to be just as hurtful as the presence of hate.
Poignantly, as I digest the collected stories, I can't help but see my own reflection, among the fiery, irrational, knee-jerk responses mirrored in our human history.
Thank you for sharing a powerful evening in the theater.
Posted by: AdamMoskal | 01/31/2010 at 11:05 AM