playbill vip

Bravery. What does that word mean to you? Take a moment to sit with it. Maybe even ask your neighbor sitting next to you. Be brave and spark the conversation.

Initial thoughts might conjure images of grand gestures and heroic feats. We think of soldiers in battle, people standing firm in the face of injustice, or those who take extraordinary risks to save others. But bravery is also found in the small, everyday choices we make to be true to ourselves, even when the world around us tells us otherwise. Bravery exists in the way we face our fears, confront our pasts, and live authentically in a world that can be unkind to difference.

The story you are about to see is of one such individual—a person whose life was marked by quiet bravery. Albert Cashier. He defied societal norms to live as his true self, and served as a soldier in the Union Army during the Civil War. Albert’s life invites us to consider what it means to be brave in the face of such societal expectations, and how civility and courage can coexist in the pursuit of a life lived authentically.

As we navigate our own lives, we are constantly presented with moments that call for bravery. Even if that means simply getting out of bed in the morning and choosing to face life that day. That can be a very brave decision in the moment for some. And I think humans often forget that. 

Being brave may also be the courage to stand up for what is right, the strength to live openly and honestly, or the resilience to continue in the face of adversity. Albert’s story serves as a powerful metaphor for these challenges—illustrating that bravery is not always loud or grandiose. Sometimes, it is simply the act of living one’s truth with dignity and grace.

As you watch Albert’s journey unfold, I hope you find inspiration, not only in his courage, but also in the parallel moments of bravery in your own life. Let this story remind us all that bravery is within us, waiting to be summoned in both the extraordinary and the ordinary moments we encounter.

Thank you for joining us for this performance of The Civility of Albert Cashier. Your presence here supports not only this production, but also the broader artistic exploration of the human spirit. I am honored to share this journey with you and deeply grateful for your support of theater.

And lastly…

Be brave. Be good to each other.

With gratitude,

HP