Interfaith Peace Tour
An Introduction
Little did we think, back in 1999 when we started the Interfaith Peace
Tour, that the world would be in such a place as to so greatly need the
lessons from Chaucer’s “Tale of Melibee” from the Canterbury
Tales, a show which we have entitled Uncommon Sense.
Uncommon Sense places us on the brink of war when a powerful young lord’s
family is attacked. Lord Melibee responds emotionally, as most of us would:
outraged at the injustice of the attack on his wife and daughter and filled
with a desire for revenge. Surprisingly, his wife, Dame Prudence, herself
a victim of this violence, strives to serve as the voice of reason, counseling
for peace. She also must persuade his enemies to take responsibility for
their actions and see the great good in repentance. No easy task. Along
the way we navigate through issues of anger, faith, good counsel (finding
it and following it), vengeance, peace, forgiveness, our relationship
with God, and a host more. The ensuing debate over the appropriate political
and/or military response, set within a domestic battleground of emotion
versus reason, makes for an amusing and deeply compelling drama laced
with wisdom.
Since the events of September 11, we have become acutely aware that the
messages in Uncommon Sense can help heal the pain that so many of us are
feeling and offer insight into the difficult questions of how we should
respond when faced with attack. This tragedy challenges us to look at
the choices we make when we are justifiably angry– perhaps the most
dangerous state of all, for anger within a context of being attacked engenders
a strong desire for revenge. Uncommon Sense forces us to stop and consider
our reactions, other options, possible outcomes, and the path we travel
to make the best decisions possible. Clearly, it is time for the Interfaith
Peace Tour to reach out to communities of faith and to organizations concerned
with peace.
"The arts not only enrich community, the arts are community. Perhaps
better than all other symbols, the arts cut across separations; they give
rise to many voices, making it possible for people who are racially, economically
and ethnically divided to begin to understand one another on a more authentic
level. The arts connect each new generation to those that have gone before.
The arts are society's gift to itself; linking hope to memory, inspiring
courage and discipline, enriching our celebrations, making our tragedies
bearable." Ernest Boyer
Here’s what some of our patrons have to say:
· “I came to the first performance and became hooked on the
charm, drama and professionalism of the productions.” - Marilyn Larkin,
artist, San Rafael
· “Much of the language is as if it’s lifted right out
of the Book of Common Prayer - or maybe it’s the other way around.”
- Rev. Gary Brower, Berkeley Canterbury Foundation
· “Terrific. I look forward to more tales.” - Karen Stokes,
pastor, Montclair Presbyterian Church
· “Terrific actors. Music was great for mood. I liked the
story.” - Margaret Veneman, Christian educator, San Rafael
· “Superb acting, rich language, fresh humor, timeless themes”
- Fawn Gilmore, Santa Rosa
· “A delicious rendering reminding me of the first time I
saw Shakespeare spring to life at the Ashland festival. Storytelling that
wraps the audience in so we begin to feel like we are Chaucer’s pilgrims
listening (our turn comes next!) Stunningly rich in its simplicity - an
incredible performance.” - Carol Adee, musician, San Rafael
For Questions/Scheduling (click here)
