Boca del Lupo Artistic Producer and Belfry Playwright in Residence, Jay Dodge reflects on the development of An Imaginary Look at the Uncompromising Life of Thomas Smith:

Renowned war photographer James Nachtwey describes his monastic mission to bear witness to the horrors of war as an act of love.  When we last came to The Belfry, Boca del Lupo’s artistic director Sherry J Yoon and I had just returned from a remarkable week in New York City where we interviewed four award winning conflict photographers working in the field today.  Before we went to New York I didn’t really understand what Nachtwey was getting at but now, after hearing first hand accounts and seeing the enormous personal sacrifice that is part of this profession, I think that I do.

An Imaginary Look at the Uncompromising Life of Thomas Smith is a project focusing on the idea that here we view most of the world through the lens of someone else’s camera.  It was truly eye opening to speak with the individuals that stand behind those cameras making pictures and realizing how intensely and completely they are a part of the action.  It was also remarkable to hear how those experiences affect who they are and how profoundly it influences their worldview.

These interviews left me in a palpable state of shock followed by a battery of disturbing questions:  Where has my personal sense of urgency gone in relation to these global tragedies?  Have I lost some fundamental human connection within the paradoxical context of globalization?  Is there a correlation between the exponential increase in information and my growing sense of alienation?

In An Imaginary Look… I doubt that we will find answers to these questions but I hope we will be able to take steps towards creating a deeper connection between our own lives and the lives of those we see in the news every day, not only when it comes to war and tragedy but also in sharing triumph, celebration and beauty.