What is Christopher's vision for this musical?

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My vision is threefold: deliver an outstanding performance of this musical, promote empathy and human-centered discussion around ending homelessness beyond the play, and create opportunities for people with lived experience of homelessness to participate in the play. 

 

Homelessness is one of the most significant social issues of our time, and the Bay Area is one of the most impacted regions in the country. We know how to end homelessness: build more homes. Instead of rallying around this core concept, California and the broader U.S. grapple with “not in my backyard” opposition, and respond with short term solutions that do not address the root issue: housing inventory. Money is spent to sweep encampments, laws are passed to make camping illegal, and cities like San Jose divert funds from permanent supportive housing budgets to interim housing and tiny home projects. We know, from decades of research, that these interim projects, even if temporarily successful, are not sustainable methods for ending homelessness. 

 

Yet, it’s very difficult to debate emotions with facts and research. If a community is strongly opposed to affordable housing in their neighborhood, and wants the encampments to immediately disappear, there will always be a reason why the data doesn’t apply to them. My goal is to offer this musical as a significantly emotional storytelling device to empathize with not only those experiencing homelessness, but those clamoring for a solution. By starting with our shared humanity, my hope is to gently nudge audiences to reflect on their homelessness positions and experiences, and even more thoughtfully discern their responsibility in sharing the mission of ending homelessness. With such an urgent crisis permeating our local community, it’s time for this musical to begin making its impact - now, in alignment with the timeline and milestones previously shared. 

 

I will begin with a semi-professional preview performance informed by feedback I've received from individuals who have experienced homelessness. When it's time for a full production, I will emphasize casting a diverse cast of people, including as many people with lived experience of homelessness as possible. By having an inclusive cast that includes music and theater professionals as well as (if not equally theatrically experienced) individuals who bring expertise of homelessness to the play, we are well positioned to perform the play authentically and with dignity towards the unhoused. Preparing the play will include empathy building activities amongst the cast, who can then use their learning experience to accurately talk about - and respond to - homelessness in their communities even after the performance concludes.