Togetherness

Recently I have had the privilege, and I mean that with the utmost sincerity, of being asked to help someone in a time of particular need. The requests came via email and many of you perhaps received them as well, as the "theatre community' is "small." One request had to do with an extraordinary opportunity, a chance to study and learn. The second request involves health and medical procedure.

I think everyone I know, family and friends, is inclined really to give help, aid, when and how they can when it is needed. In most instances it just goes without saying. There is a modest and completely honest way that many good people have of just looking out for one another. In these difficult economic times and with the constant strife and confusion heard 'round the world daily, that spirit of "togetherness" is slowly emerging, coming to the forefront. It showed itself largely after 9/11 but was quickly beaten back and repressed by the politics following. For a brief moment though, tragic as the event was, the world seemed "nice." In a space and time we all realized our need and love for one another, our interdependence, our mortality, etc. But not in that begrudging sense. We did it knowing and thinking that it was a good thing to do, the right thing - as opposed to something we had to do just to survive.

This time, I hope the rally of this kind of spirit has more friends in high and powerful places. Or that we just simply refuse to harden as a group. "Don't give me ice when your heart's on fire!" Besides desire and love affair, that line of Odet's speaks to the best ideas, the best feelings and actions in all of us. Odet's is always a call for action, for what's right and just. The first and most important step is to look after one another. That done, we can do our theatre, our work, talk, debate, and dream on.

Here's hoping the health and pursuits of happiness are, and will always be, open for all of us! And our ability to engage it this individually and collectively is not a dog eat dog war but rather a warm and refreshing journey!