First day...

Yesterday we began. I am feeling quite excited! The whole cast and design team, plus a few guests and the production team were present. The room was full with the euphoric feeling of the first day of a journey, a new beginning.

The first read through made us all cry and laugh. Julie, one of Alameda's board members, was so moved and excited about the story and the words. She said she loved the fact that the funny bits helped you to get through the really moving and tragic moments in the play. It took you along on a real journey.

We had a special guest present. Señora Carmen Rosa Santos. Her bravery and strength were so admirable and inspiring. It hit home to everyone, I think, that this play's themes are as real as the words that she spoke to us in the room. A survivor of the atrocities of Pinochet's regime, she was unwavering in her conviction and belief in the struggle to fight human rights abuses. I realized why we are doing this, with even more conviction. For her, for all the political prisoners around the world, for all the disappeared and for all of the exiles. This story, this play is for you.

And Carmen spoke the truth when she said, the survivors don't speak from a place of feeling sorry for themselves. They speak from a place of clarity and truth. Gracias señora Carmen Rosa por sus palabras.

Enjoy episode 5.

Un abrazo,

Marilo