Hope Salas as DOT

DOT SHORTS were initially created out of fear. Each DOT SHORT was born out of the harrowing reality of COVID-19 and contextualizes (literally &/or figuratively) what we have all faced during this pandemic. Each “short” punctuates the extremes of adapting and adopting to the new world order. DOT highlights the humanity of each of us. She boldly illustrates feelings of fear, confusion, worry & isolation. She is open and raw. She is resolute in doing right by others. She is a problem solver. She teaches us the resilience of the human spirit. She is always moving forward, and always willing to life on life terms. As we (collectively) catch our breath, pray, and wonder what tomorrow will bring; and as we blow up our Social Media accounts with words of wisdom and picture stories of hope; as we mourn the losses of loved ones who died as the result of this thorny, prickly, red bodied beast, our souls cry out for the most important variable in our lives: CONNECTION. And in the absence of human touch, we have found unique ways to connect with those we love, those with whom we once loved, and strangers with whom we have now added to our circle of family and friends. Out of necessity we have created ways to feed out souls: moments of contemplative prayer, mediation, books, music, phone calls and hand-written letters to old friends. We remind ourselves that we are more today, because of this world health scare, than we were yesterday. Today, maybe we all carry a little bit extra hope and courage within us. Maybe each of us walks with a lighter step, feels with a bigger heart, has a greater capacity to forgive, and has a clearer vision how we might better handle tomorrow’s life challenges. DOT teaches me all these things. And for now, she will rest and contemplate next steps. She is now born out of hope and joy. Fear is a tertiary emotion. She found her way. She’s “got this!” She rose to the occasion and taught me to do the same. DOT will see you at the theater on OPENING NIGHT, whenever that will be. It’s okay. She’s patient. What’s the rush? She trusts all will be well. And it will. DOT knows. I don’t know how…she just knows.  WE RISE!  WE WILL RISE!

Running June 10, 11, 12*, 17, 18, 19*.  Fridays + Saturdays @ 8pm.  *Sunday Matinees @ 2pm. Tickets on sale now at HITW.org/tickets