Q04

Describe an event in the world that has impacted you this year. How? Why?

The war in Syria. Disturbing, unbelievable that the world is letting it happen or even joining in.

The attack on the Paris theatre was alarming. It's so close to home. Theatres are such easy targets. My theatre is where I feel like I most belong. I can't imagine that sacred space being terrorized. What would that do to me?

The refugee crisis still weighs heavily on me, and I believe the Brexit vote was motivated by Brits feeling overrun by immigrants. It just feels so wrong: my grandparents on both sides were immigrants. the vast majority of immigrants seeks peace and hope for a better life.

I have watched climate change unfold this year with the hottest months on record, major storms, and other impacts big and small. I feel despair, grief, and fear. I am afraid that there won't be life on earth in one or two generations. I feel deep, deep sorrow for the loss of species that is happening right now.

It's hard to believe both Elie Wiesel and Shimon Peres died this year - such brace, strong and tested souls who witnessed so much and fought so hard for a more jus world are gone.