There is one thing, and one thing only,
That makes a human life successful.
It is not wealth.
It is not power.
It is wisdom that brings us joy.
Wisdom is the key to life.
Put others above self.
Respect the laws of gods and men.
Be not too proud, or the gods will bring you pain and suffering.
Some find wisdom before they are destroyed for their mistakes,
yet others only find it after being broken.
Sometimes, in old age, after great pain,
men find wisdom.
-the Chorus, Antigone
Two nights ago we sat in a high school auditorium watching a production of Sophocles' classic tragedy Antigone. The story of a king destroyed by his own pride and power has much to say to a modern audience, and these young thespians delivered a compelling, tight, and riveting performance.
What made the night even more special for us was that Robert directed this show, adapting the script from multiple public domain versions, casting a talented group of high school students, connecting these players to a text they so obviously internalized, and pulling a performance from them that made this ancient story contemporary and relevant.
I am in awe of my son… as a teacher, an artist, and a man. I am glad he finds important stories to tell, and I am proud that he chooses to invite young men and women into the art of telling them.
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