The Story of Our Journey: Phoenix, AZ Showing on Friday, January 22, 2021
After two successful online showings in 2020, the commissioner of the the project, The City of Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture, will be showing The Story of Our Journey on their YouTube channel here at 5pm Mountain Time on January 22nd. The showing will be embedded at this site for your convenience, or you may interact directly with the video on YouTube during the performance.
Later this year, we are excited for the live premiere and performances at academic and other institutions across the United States and internationally when it is safe to do so. If you are interested in the making of the video, the use of audio footage, and the coordination of events please contact us.
ABOUT THE WORK
The Story of Our Journey recounts the journey of refugees worldwide through personal experiences of individuals interviewed by Their Story is Our Story (TSOS), and was done in collaboration with Dylan Findley, the composer, and Csaba Jevtic-Somlai, the principle clarinet in the project. This multimedia composition recounts the escape from homelands to foreign lands. The beginning of the piece places the viewer as a bystander to the interviewing process and takes them on a journey through why the individual refugees had to leave, their struggle along the journey and during arrival in new lands, to their hopes for the future and belonging in their new homes.
MOVEMENTS
- ”So…”(Introduction)
- ”An Opportunity”- Rhenald and Felix Cross the Sahara Desert
- “I Counted Them Myself”- Ali and Zarrin Leave Afghanistan
- “The Water We Drink”- Eduardo, Adriana, and Elizabeth Flee Gangs; An Account of Refugees’ Travel Through Foreign Lands.
- “Go, Go, Go!”-Rhenald and Felix Leave Libya; Zerrin Crosses the Sea
- “Deep in My Heart”- Rohingya Children Sing and Play with Interviewers; Elizabeth, Eduardo, and Adrianna Pass Through U. S. Immigration Control
- “Still Looking”- Refugees Seek Stability and Integration
Idaho One Refugee Conference
Last fall I was able to attend the 1Refugee Conference in Idaho. The event was well organized and everyone who approached our table was interested in what we did and wanted to know how to get involved. There were at least 100 students majoring in a variety of things who attended the event and we had 20 students give us their contact information. Most were interested in our internship programs.
How I Learned about Trauma, Resilience, and Safety
Last week, I learned that, “Trauma is all about safety.” I attended a Trauma and Resilience class taught by Phoenix Refugee Connections. Three speakers and a panel of refugees spoke about helping refugees and volunteers through the trauma refugees and helpers encounter.
Washington DC Team assists their local community through ESL, Art, Mental Health Awareness, and Advocating for Refugee Physicians
Our hearts are heavy due to the events and suffering in Israel and Palestine. We understand that any conflict leading to loss and displacement have long-term effects for individuals, families, and the community at large. We continue to work toward creating and advocating for better welcome in each of our own communities.