As we move into the month of April, the old adage of April showers bringing May flowers springs to mind. And we certainly had a head start to those showers in March and April is following true to form! I’m reminded of the impact spring rain had on me and the JDPP Ensemble long ago.
Our first touring gig was to the National Theater in Sofia, Bulgaria in 1990 as part of the Theater in a Suitcase Festival. We landed on the day of Bulgaria’s first democratic election and the excitement of having a small group of American dancers arriving then to perform was almost overwhelming. The celebration of freedom and hope of that moment was an affirmation and inspiration then and now—a true appreciation of what democracy means.
Our translator for that tour was a passionate and articulate woman named Krassimira Boikovska. And among the many rich stories that Krassi shared about life in Bulgaria and the hardships of the Communist regime was one that shocked and stayed with me and became the basis for a piece called Rains, one of JDPP’s early signature works.
Krassi said that right after the Chernobyl nuclear disaster (April 26, 1986), the radioactive fallout was carried to nearby countries, Bulgaria among them. The Soviet government in Bulgaria traditionally held a May Day Parade (May 1) designated as the Day of Labor. People marched in the rain without umbrellas or hats having not been told of the possibility of nuclear fallout. Officials watched the parade sheltered by coats and umbrellas while children and families marched and ate fruits and vegetables washed by the rains. It was a stark and horrifying image that spoke to the critical need for transparency, truth in messaging, and care for all people—values that indeed feel threatened in our own country today. Listen to Krassi tell the full story here.
Our tour to Bulgaria almost 35 years ago and the resulting performance piece, Rains, underscored the importance of democracy and the need to work hard to fulfill its ideals. That need becomes more and more urgent. So, a ‘hats on’ to Rains and its reminder of the importance of democracy and the health of our earth.