Today is the arrival day at the institute. For the past several weeks I have been preparing and contemplating for the two weeks. When I tell individuals that I am about to participate in a two week intensive on Genocide, I receive some strange reactions, most concerning the question "WHY?" When I explain that I am developing a global intermedial piece on Genocide awareness they go "Oh, OK." and then comes the awkward response "I hope you have a good ti..., I mean hope you have fu.... hope you enjoy ..." I smile at this. I understand this is a tough topic. The readings have been frightening. I know a lot less that I thought. I did not realize the extent of the history Genocide. Especially in the 20th century. Most everyone is familiar with the Jewish Holocaust of WWII but I was totally unaware of genocides that occured during my adult life when I should have been more responsive rater than oblivious. This institute will without a doubt illuminate much of my ignorance of the subject, destroy some naivetie, and open my eyes to the harshness and ugliness of human atrocities. But I think, hope, it will also shed light on the goodness of humankind and posibilities that we can overcome the dark that exists in all of us and find a way to live and prosper in peace. So much for the romantic in me.
We have been reading a comprehensive study of Genocide in preparation for the institute. The book (Genocide by Adam Jones) has illuminated two key thoughts so far.
1) The hubris of the USA in propigating and supporting genocidial governments around the world to promote a global political agenda. (One of the most frightening - if I can call it that - is the US granting immunity to Japanese scientists (Unit 731) for atrocities involving chemical and biological weapons testing on Chinese civilians - provided they shared their knowledge and their test results with U.S. Authorities.)
2) The impact of fear and humiliation as a cause for genocide. This I found quite interesting and plan to explore more throughout the institute.
Today is Father's Day, and I plan on spending time with my daughter before packing and driving to Northern Illinois University.
About Me
- George
- George H. Brown has worked in the professional and university theatre for over 26 years filling a gamut of positions from Director to Actor to Fight Choreographer. He has directed over 85 productions in theatres across the U.S., Caribbean and Europe. Within the field of intermedial arts, his research and creative production has focused on several areas including live video integration, multi-screen and non-traditional surface projection techniques, mediated performance, and, most significantly, telematic performance, which takes advantage of high bandwidth Internet2 connectivity to join artists and technologists from around the world to collaborate and present theatre events that push the technological and creative envelope. George joined the Department of Theatre Arts at Bradley University in 2002, where he serves as Professor and Chair of the Department of Theatre Arts. George holds an MFA Degree in Directing from Penn State. You can see more about George's work at www.georgehbrown.com.
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