SIEGE is a voice, a single voice determined to be a witness.  An experience driven immersive visceral protest of our choices.  We are better than this.

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These are the times . . . that demand attention. 

 

Three years ago Russia invaded Ukraine.  I was in Chicago at an alternative performance space Siteless.  I and collaborator Monica Newsam created an improv, making comment, expressing our outrage, ending with clasped hands, one gloved in yellow, the other in blue.

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Decades earlier the “The Third of May 1808” by artist- painter Francisco Goya, used art as protest against Napoleon's occupation of Spain.  Goya depicted content with emotional force, the archetypal image of the horrors of war. 

 

Napoleon crowned himself Emperor of France in 1804 and deemed a plan to take control of Spain and Portugal.  

 

These are the times . . .

 

“January 6, 2021” Trump, like Napoleon, intends to be Monarch, establishing a family dynasty with intentions to conquer nations.

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Goya produced etchings titled “The Disasters of War” defining the scope of his intention to express, to document the horrors of war.  Message amplified by Elie Wiesel's imploring us - to be witness lest we forget!   Martin Luther Kings - I have a dream.

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These are the times . . . We have learned nothing.  

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As a species we are inexplicably drawn to violence through immoral aggression.  Through our efforts, skilled diplomacy, the Israeli Palestinian war has produced only evidence of horrific acts.  It has however at this fragile moment of cease fire produced a moment to reflect.

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These are the times . . . . . What Have We Done - 

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Among other tragedies we have produced 55,000 orphaned Palestinian children, 46,000 killed in Gaza; 1200 Israelis and 250 hostages. These are only the numbers . . . . the humanitarian evolving crisis grows exponentially as we fail to focus our energies on compassion and rebuilding. 

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These are the times . . . . to build a NEVER AGAIN commitment focused on peace. 

 

We are better than this!  

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