Project Idea Seed Evolution 

The initial idea for this project was an interactive installation that featured handwritten letters. Sharon, my partner, created some lovely concept art that displayed some images of public places with letters attached to strings. The idea was that people could read letters and respond to them. We had several questions about the details and specificity of the project- in particular, we wanted to solidify the project's objective. We both had interest in the relationship between generations in Cuban families- this would be particular to U.S. Cuba relations in general. However, after doing research on Playback theater (thanks to Evelyn) I feel that the project needs more a direction that isn't already so obvious. I can remember instances from my early childhood in which I had conversations with Cuban -American families. The general consensus is generally the same- the older members of the family will never set foot in Cuba, and the younger members of the family are less adamant about that. Castro is  always the enemy, as is communism. I have heard many stories growing up, and in my mind as a child, Castro was similar to Hitler. Now after doing more research and growing up, I understand that this perspective is only one side of a narrative that has multiple sides. 

I feel that going forward, what I am seeking in this project is to find two things:

-Confirmations of truths (more elaboration on opinions about Cuba and U.S. relations that are already known

-Surprises born from unexpected connections relationships between citizens of both countries

In order to achieve this, I feel that there should be specific prompts for the participants. I think it would be effective to create questions that are more mundane, and first seek to find the similarities that we share as human beings, regardless of nationality. I'd be interested on the opinions of non artists- every day people. I think mundane questions would create a more human experience and a distinction between people and politics. 

I feel that the more mundane questions will give greater oppurtunity for expression of truth. I feel that finding shared truths- whether they are surprising or a repeated pattern- is the best way to proceed with this project. It will create an intamacy within the participants, which will serve us in our (or at least my :) ) end goal, which would be to eventually use this material to put on something up on its feet. After reading information on playback theater, I feel that this information could be used in service for the people. 

Going forward, I'd like to solidify how to work with the language barrier, and perhaps test this project in a public place while we are in the U.S. to see how it functions.