I know. You can’t stop reading your social media feed, or thinking about the new Administration, or bailing out from the storm, or listening to analysis of today’s ruling on the immigration ban. I can’t either. But this is time sensitive because tickets to ACT’s production of A Thousand Splendid Suns are almost sold out. The performance is riveting, and centers on two women surviving domestic abuse and the oppression of the Taliban in Kabul, Afghanistan. Based on the novel written by Khaled Hosseini, the production has a hauntingly gorgeous original score written and performed by David Coulter. Timely, relevant and beautiful, the play touches on many issues related to today’s news — refugees, violence against women, resilience, and most importantly, the power of love. If you go, please stop at the table in the lobby to learn more about The Khaled Hosseini Foundation.
A Thousand Splendid Suns
What can I do?
This is the question I am asking myself a lot these days. Working for a nonpartisan journalism organization, I am bound to ethics guidelines that preclude me from expressing my political views publicly. So how do I express who I am at a time when free expression has never seemed more important? For starters, I am walking my talk. Saying yes to more opportunities to be of service. This morning at 6 a.m. I helped make and serve breakfast to women and children making the long and lonely journey from their homes in Southern California to Pelican Bay State Prison. On their way to see their sons, husbands and fathers, they stopped in my county and we showered them with love and nourishment. In return, I got to meet the incredible Frankie Guzman (National Center for Youth Law) and Dorsey Nunn (Legal Services for Prisoners with Children) — two amazing souls working to protect the human rights of children ensnared in the incarceration complex. Next month, I will be representing The Khaled Hosseini Foundation at one of ACT’s performances of A Thousand Splendid Suns. I am looking to say yes to March and April so if you have an idea, please be in touch.