David Arcos
Only recently did we begin writing and producing full-length productions again. It is with great anticipation and a deep sense of privilege that we present “Christmas: A Modern Take.”
The reason for creating this play was three-fold. We wanted to produce an original production. Mosaic has somewhere in its DNA a core belief that originality is the place where we encounter the Creator. Our commitment to artists we work with is to challenge the greatness inside of them towards the great calling of offering the world hope. Originality, in the long run, is more powerful than good solid imitation. Victor Hugo, the Les Miserables playwright, once said:
“An invasion of armies can be resisted, but not an idea whose time has come.”
The second reason was to bring artists together in our community. There’s something breath-taking about watching a communal work take place. Perhaps it is the layering of creative artistry from writer to lighting designer, or the tension of differing ideas finding a synergistic union. Or maybe the crisis that forges innovation and new ways to overcome obstacles together. Whatever the ingredients are, the results reach far beyond a good staged story. They are the breakthroughs among artists that naturally emerge during the production process. The stories behind the curtain, so to speak. Stories that you will never see on stage but impact and change the storytellers themselves.
Finally, we wanted to produce a play because it calls out new artists. Somewhere, we believe there is an artist who has dreams and hopes but little voice. A writer, director, sound technician or costume designer who has primarily worked for the dollar and knows little of the journey of collaborative community. Somewhere a dream may never be realized or given wings without the prodding of new friends calling them to live and tell their own story. Mosaic longs to be that place. We use our artistic projects as an excuse to build life-long friendships. Because the deepest narratives come from living life not just observing it. This play was a chance to call out these amazing people who otherwise we may have been blind to. Call them to journey with us.
This is only the beginning…
