Bridging the Communication(s) Gap

In the past decade, enhancements in technology have significantly altered the ways in which we communicate. With access to one or two electronic devices, the ability to send and receive information is available at any given time. Artists and activists that are miles apart now have the opportunity to collaborate and create meaningful, original work with worldwide recognition. Live performances, awareness groups, and beautiful galleries that were once limited to a single country, region, or home can now be shared with one click. Pretty great, right?

On the flip side, consider a scenario commonly encountered during the holiday season. Surrounded by a room, bus, or plane full of strangers, you immediately begin texting on your phone, turn on your mp3 player, open a book (A what?!), etc. While immersing ourselves in media at a rapid pace, there could be an entire lifetime of stories sitting or standing a few inches away.

Realistically, this little scenario can have stipulations: What if circumstance doesn't allow conversation? What if you encounter someone, or an entire group, who have no interest in pontificating while waiting for their large, skim, 6% non-dairy creamer, 120-degree, strawberry mocha with no whip? Hm, it's a tough call, but it may be worth a try. As a matter of fact, could visual media and human narration combine to create a whole new perspective?

This introduces an important piece to the Glass Mind Theatre puzzle. Come on, you totally saw it coming!

In every culture, storytelling acts as a way to entertain, educate, inspire, and encourage the masses. Stories help us to develop, adapt, and cope within the most challenging of circumstances. Many communities thrive on storytelling to create unity and balance. When available, storytellers often use visual and performing arts to enrich and share stories with a wider audience. By joining the work of many artists through different mediums, Glass Mind Theatre sees an opportunity to establish an ebb and flow with the electronic world and the human race.

As we continue to plan and map the future, visual and electronic media will play a key role in carrying Glass Mind's mission. Art has a great advantage in that it allows both artists and audiences to speak through the mind and body. So, next time you find yourself in an art gallery, performance, or even public transit, go ahead and say 'Hello' to someone. You may end up creating a story of your own.