DIRECTOR'S NOTE
“What are we doing here, that is the question. And we are blessed in this, that we happen to know the answer. Yes, in this immense confusion one thing alone is clear. We are waiting for Godot to come or for night to fall.”-Vladimir
At no other time in human history has mankind simultaneously experienced an event such as the one we currently find ourselves in. We are indeed in a state of immense confusion and have been forced to face the fragility of our existence as our very lives are at the mercy of an unseen force which strikes with a randomness almost beyond comprehension. It is in our nature not to contemplate the absurdity of life until we come face to face with the possibility of death and the unknown which lays beyond. It seems that only then do we reflect on life’s true meaning, searching for purpose, for understanding, for salvation. One thing alone is clear, in the end we will be once more as we were in the beginning-desperately reaching for the comforting embrace that lets us know we are not alone in the midst of nothingness. “Waiting for Godot” asks all the questions and represents man in all his simplicity and complexity. It will not, however, give you any answers. That, my friends, is entirely up to you.
Peace-Holly
PRODUCER THOUGHTS
We live in a series of monumental moments. When we shut our doors to the public on March 13, 2020, I thought it to be only a short time. As we re-open seventeen months later, with one of the shows that had been in rehearsal at the time of closing, I realize and appreciate that we have all changed as human beings. I am also more and more grateful for the moment, the time we have together and honoring the cherished human experience of life. We have enacted safety measures that aren't popular with some, but we believe necessary to move forward, keep our artists and audiences as safe as possible during this pandemic. We work together to create art, experience and entertainment, while also being realists about how to consciously run an arts organization in a changing time, while continuing our mission to create and share the experience of innovative theatre. We do not mean to alienate, confront or politisize. We will continue to access, look for ways to innovate and share our work live and virtually for all audiences to enjoy.
I do believe this time to be a revolution of the heart in many ways. A blossoming of revolutionary and evolutionary ways to live, to share and to continue the quest toward a more humane humanity, a deeper understanding of inclusivity, equity and opening our eyes to sharing the stories of all people in a meaningful ways. I know I am a beginner in this, but set my heart and mind to moving ONWARD with hope, and evolution in mind.
As we reopen, I must say how grateful I am to our community, The City Of Reno, The Nevada Arts Council, The Nevada Humanities, The CARES Act Grants and to our donors, patrons and artists that have continues to support and believe in the beauty and magic of live theatre. I am overwhelmed with love and optimism for the future, just being able to write this as we open our first show of our 29th season: ONWARD. We honestly wouldn't be here without all of you. We are blessed.
Mary Bennett
