Tales

Last night, Tales from the Salt City, conceived by Ping Chong, premiered at Syracuse Stage. I went with members of the Syracuse Lost Boys of Sudan Cow Project: Makram, Michael, Kerubino, Marino, Benjamin, Faye, and Carl to support Lino, whose story was a part of the narrative. The stage featured several variations of the Syracuse, New York, existence and in each performer lived the truth of being alive in America in 2008. What was remarkable about the performance was how history was interwoven with local community, while paying close attention to the centrality of the Onondaga Nation who were keepers of this land before so many pots melted, salads tossed and the modern pastiche of CNY was created. The stories were spoken with laughter, heart, soul and tears, all united under the common umbrella of humanity. Cambodia, Macedonia, Cuba, Onondaga, Sudan, Mexico and American voices became a chorus of meaning in a shrinking globe needing to keep an eye on global obstacles. It was an honor to be invited, to see the cows on display and to learn the literacy of being alive at this time in history. I am a better man for witnessing this event and am inspired to unite our lives further, one truth at a time. Happy is too mild a word for tonight's experience.