This is a pivotal moment in human history. Throughout the world, we have withdrawn into our own homes, communities and countries out of fear. Some of this fear was necessary for our physical safety, and some came out of the anxiety related to social change, a fear that new ways of thinking or living would be a threat to our sense of self and a risk to our psychic safety.

A silo can be useful at times of stress, but if we stay there, we face the dangers of living a homogenous life: fear and weakness. The lack of contact with the outside world leads to the fear of otherness, self- defensiveness and eventually aggression. Around the world we are now seeing the results in increases in fascism, boundary wars, and violence towards vulnerable communities that are outside of our own silos.

We need to recognize that diverse experiences are actually a source of strength. Diverse perspectives are necessary for the success of both analytical and creative thought and lead to invention and progress. Diverse experiences provide us new lenses with which to view the world, providing us with wisdom and empathy. A lack of diverse experiences in terms of both thought and body leads to stasis and weakness.

So, as we emerge from the pandemic, we now have a choice to make. How will we reengage with the world? Will we return to the old colonial paradigms, approaching each other with a sense of fear and othering? Or will we seek a new paradigm of curiosity, respect and communal care, breathing in the complex humanity of each person, culture and community?

The Ramayana’s message of radical empathy is critical at this moment. Instead of focusing on what is strange to us, perhaps we can focus on the common thread that binds us all together while celebrating our differences as a source of strength.

At this moment, we propose a radical “crossing of oceans.” Say yes to new experiences whether they are in your backyard or in another continent. Gather at the dinner table with those who have different histories. Use your radical empathy to stand in another’s shoes and imagine life through their eyes.

So, this season we reach out across the ocean for two major international collaborations. We look at how we can move beyond colonial paradigms, and imagine a world in which diversity is considered essential to a healthy life. We challenge ourselves and our audiences to take on perspectives far from our own and see the world as a beautiful, fractured mosaic made up of each of these viewpoints with the whole being far stronger because of its multiplicity.

A keystone for our season is the depth of exchange. Our trans- cultural collaborations are built on trust and respect developed over years of working together on each other’s soils, extended rehearsal processes, and mutual training in each other’s performative techniques. Bridges are built one stone at a time. May this be just the beginning.

Curatorial Committee

Ontaria Kim Wilson, American Dramaturg on Les Blancs

Lane Savadove, EgoPo Artistic Director

Sinta Penyami Storms, Founder of Modero Dance, Rama’s Fest Curator and Cultural Advisor