Tonight is opening night of Marisol. These students are tremendous. Their hard work and dedication is to be celebrated. They have welcomed and challenged me in ways that will reverberate long past our closing night. I am so proud of what we have achieved. To honor the incredible spirit of collaboration that guided this team, I wanted to share my director’s note. Thank you, St. Ed’s community.

In the dark times

Will there also be singing?

Yes, there will be singing.

About the dark times.

—Bertolt Brecht

Tonight’s performance won’t offer you an escape from the growing darkness in society. Our world is the manifestation that Rivera presciently described as he wrote the first drafts of Marisol in the early 1990s. Every day is filled with new news of climate disasters, poverty epidemics, racial violence, and a global crisis of faith. It is hard to remain optimistic in these dark times. And yet, in this epic tale, we watch a young woman set out on a hero[ine]’s journey towards love. She faces extreme incidents of violence, hatred, and horror. Nevertheless, she persists. So why present a play that extols the worst parts of humanity at this moment in time? Because we must. 

As the world grows darker, we need stories that can help us understand and ultimately conquer that darkness. We need a place where we can witness, unpack, and process these destructive impulses. Theater creates a space where we can connect over these tasks, while also validating each other, letting others know that you aren’t alone. You can be seen, come home, and find love – no matter what the world throws at you. Marisol reminds us that fighting for hope is worth any sacrifice. And while tonight’s performance won’t solve any of the big problems that Rivera broaches, I hope it energizes you to head back into your personal struggles and fight for what’s right.