It's 2009.
Yes, i know you already know that. You may have even written it on a check or typed it. But hang on, let's take a moment and breathe deep together.
It is 2009.
Hmm. I'm having a little trouble digesting this.
I feel like I need about a month of no work, no election (and now transition) coverage, no new economy failures, no scandals, no interrupted sleep (whoops, was that my out loud "mommy" voice?).... in order to process all that last year brought to us.
I need to let it all sink in.
Right now I feel as though I am sifting through all of the difficulties of the last year and letting the absolute joys and soaring achievements bubble up through.
Personally, I am completely and totally in love with our nearly 2-year old daughter.
Professionally, my heart bursts with pride for our recent (and upcoming!) world premieres, the dedication of our artists, the powerful stories coming out of our Playmaking for Girls program, the resonant beauty of The Snow Queen, the excitement of incoming visiting artists...
Spiritually, as a member of our global community, I have some deep concerns and some fierce hope.
As an arts leader, I'm being asked from many circles - "how is the economic climate affecting Synchronicity?" While we are definitely feeling it (want to donate? visit www.synchrotheatre.com )...it is more importantly helping us to think about how we do what we do, and also WHY. What is the true impact of theatre, and our theatre in particular.
And then, I went to the first rehearsal for Looking for the Pony on Sunday night. Andrea Lepcio, the playwright, was there in the room. The play is quite autobiographical, and tells the story of Andrea and her sister, who was diagnosed with breast cancer. Through a truly theatrical structure that is both funny and insightful, this play reaches deep into my heart and overwhelms me with it's power.
I have 3 sisters. The way that this play brings forth the power of that love is incredible. Through these two sisters' relationship, I'm reminded that no one can (insert adjective here: love, annoy, tickle, support, befriend, infuriate, hold) you like your sister.
I cry every time I read this play. Not because of loss, but because of the unbelievable life that this woman lives and the number of people she affects with her vibrant spirit. I also laugh out loud over and over again with the playfulness and the humor that these two sisters are able to find in the midst of their trauma.
They look for the pony, despite the challenges.
Good theatre moves us. It brings us together with shared experiences. It provides an outlet for grief, and a catalyst for joy.
When I think about how Synchronicity is being affected...I am pretty sure that we are all jacked up. We are DETERMINED to expose more people, children, families, die-hard non-arts goers....to this incredible power. We will be relentless in this pursuit, and we will fight tooth and nail for theatre and the arts to not be sidelined, but to be recognized for what they are...essential to our survival and instrumental in the creation of empathetic, loving, compassionate and intelligent human beings.
Want to join us?