How do we survive in the aftermath of disaster?
Who do we cling to? How do we find them?
At the time of the Japan earthquake in March 2011, playwright Chiori Miyagawa saw a photo of an evacuation center wall, covered with handmade messages seeking contact with missing family members and friends. This image moved her, and she began thinking about the concept of reunion, especially following a natural disaster or war. To reunite is a collective human need. Chiori and Alice began with only this seed of an idea.
In Fall 2011 Chiori and director Alice Reagan held salons with artists from different backgrounds to share reunion stories. The result was extraordinary. Given this simple prompt, participants dug deep into their personal histories to tell stories that were intimate, heartbreaking, and inspiring.
Following the salons and additional research, Chiori wrote a magnificent play, I Came to Look for You on Tuesday.
Jens first became involved with the play during a two week Playtime Developmental Studio at New Dramatists, and has been honored to be a part ever since.
