Look at the photo below that the NYTimes published today in an article about what we are losing when our ability to gather for social experiences in theaters, concert halls, parks and pubs is taken away by the Corona public health crises. “Mad Max: Fury Road” takes place in a post-apocalyptic desert, devoid of plant life, water and of most human life. I think the NYT chose this photo because the movie has become an iconic cultural reference that dramatizes what life on Earth could be like if it is devastated by weapons, virus, or natural disaster. The Corona disaster asks us to step away from each other physically, though thankfully the web makes meeting, socializing, working and surfing not only possible, but also productive and sanity preserving. But there is also a feeling of sadness creeping around the edges - like we’re actually in a social desert of sorts. The inherent caution we must now hold out for each other because the “enemy” is invisible, silent and makes its home inside of other people injects a note of suspicion into our interactions, even when practicing the six feet rule and all the other precautionary guidelines responsibly. I have always loved the theme in Fury Road of trust. Furiosa and Max, both self-reliant loners riddled with suspicion, each had to take the risk of trusting each other to survive. For our live show FURY, we haven’t yet announced but are planning on new shows in San Francisco in June. We haven’t called them off yet. We will have to decide when the right time comes if audiences will be able to trust the idea of social gathering yet or not. I am an optimist and I am hopeful, not only for our shows, but more broadly, for what it will mean for all of us and our ability to relax, enjoy, connect and care for each other free of caution and suspicion. But I also know that our trust may take longer to return than our physical safety will. Maybe Max and Furiosa will be helpful guides when the time comes. Be well, and be online! Yours, Kate
Crowds at the premiere of Mad Max: Fury Road at Cannes.
