"What makes a monster and what makes a man?" - The Hunchback of Notre Dame the Musical
Do we judge the look of a person first and live off of that assumption? Or do we take the time to get to know the personality of a person, or their circumstances that cause their actions and reactions? Too often do we "judge a book by its cover". Too often do we live in a world of assumptions. Too often do we take a snapshot of a person and decide the rest of their fate by one moment in time.
This season we have learned that the outward appearance does not truly show what is underneath. With Arsenic and Old Lace, two friendly, kind and Christian women turned out to be cold blooded murderers. With Atypical Boy, a young man who was different was cast out without being given a second thought or a chance. With The Unknown Part of the Ocean a young girl finds an escape for her and her mother in a world of fantasy due to the horror of her mother's cancer treatments. And now, with Hunchback we meet a priest who is the voice of the people, and yet is hiding a deadly secret. We encounter a soldier who is suffering from the physical and emotional scars of the battlefield. A gypsy who is without a home or family finds her way to Paris and is judged before given the changc to speak. Then of course, the young man who is physically deformed and kept hidden away and called a monster, yet escapes to magical worlds of his mind.
Each day we come in contact with friends, peers, family and strangers. With each encounter we judge someone based on appearance, language and skill. How often do we take the time to actually listen and understand what is going on in another's life? How often do we take time to walk in another person's shoes? How often do we miss opportunites to help or better someone because we don't notice that person is even there?
The goal for this season was to wipe away the past, see the unique talents in each and every young artist that walks through our doors, and to allow each person, no matter his/her circumstances to feel welcome and safe within these walls. Once safety is achieved magic soon follows! I hope that as you have enjoyed the shows this year you have also gained a compassion for your fellow man, after all, we each have so many stories to tell!
Tag,
W
