What's next for Theater Mu?
PHOTOGRAPH BY KEREM YUCEL, AFP/GETTY
When we announced our 2019/20 season, "The World is Ours to Build," no one could have predicted how relevant Yuri Kochiyama’s words would become. In a season dedicated to building upon the work of the past, we hear educator and philosopher Paulo Freire's words now more than ever:
“Liberation is a praxis: the action and reflection of [people] upon their world in order to transform it."
Even before the Governor made his official stay-at-home order, Mu was able to quickly pivot and create three reoccurring virtual events. It was our way of staying connected through a time of isolation.
Then, in the wake of George Floyd's murder, we pivoted again to meet the needs of our BIPOC communities. We've been suggesting different ways to donate both money and resources; working with other Asian Minnesotan organizations to build solidarity across racial lines; and printing posters to engage, activate, and unite our communities.
I couldn't be more proud of the actions the Mu staff, artists, and supporters like you have taken to build a better world. Back in March, we called this time of pause a moment. It's become clear that this is a marathon, and we haven't stopped running for three months. So it's time for Mu to practice the second part of Freire's praxis: reflection. The Mu staff will be taking a much-needed week off to reflect, relax, and recharge.
Don't worry. We'll be back at the end of June and jumping right back in! Promoting arts, equity, and justice has always been one of the foundational principles of Theater Mu, and we are dedicated to carrying on this mission. We plan to continue the work of bringing about both change and healing by:
Using social media to amplify the needs of our communities and keeping everyone informed on the various ways to support.
Continuing to host Mu Mondays as a safe and welcoming space for Twin Cities artists to gather, heal, and support each other.
Creating virtual artistic programming in response to the current social climate, meant to engage and empower our audiences.
The work has only just begun and we hope you will join us in the fight for change.
Sincerely,
Lily Tung Crystal
Artistic Director