RENT

My family and I recently attended a local production of RENT, the iconic 1996 musical by Jonathan Larson. Set in New York City’s East Village during the height of the HIV/AIDS crisis, RENT follows a group of young artists and musicians struggling to survive and create amidst poverty, addiction, and societal challenges.

I listened to the RENT soundtrack many times in college, but I had never seen a live production until now. Our local theater did a commendable job capturing the essence of the original while bringing their own energy to the performance. The cast delivered heartfelt performances, and the staging effectively conveyed the gritty atmosphere of 1990s New York along with vibrant lights and energy. While there were a few technical hiccups, such as occasional microphone issues, the overall experience was deeply moving and left a lasting impression.

Seeing the live performance brought up feelings of wanting to ensure I’m bringing good into the world. I know I support my immediate family, and donate to causes I believe in, but I want to do more. It inspired me to look for opportunities to make a positive impact, whether through volunteering or supporting local artists and organizations.

The message I came away with is to live fully and authentically, cherishing the relationships we have and striving to make a difference in our communities. RENT reminds us that life goes on, even when we know time is limited and there is strife in the world around us, we still can embrace love, friendship, and the pursuit of our passions.

This quote from RENT reminds me that while peace is a worthy goal, the true antidote to war is the act of creation—building, collaborating, and bringing new ideas to life. Creation fosters connection and understanding, allowing us to transcend differences and work towards common goals. Whether it’s through art, technology, or community initiatives, creation has the power to heal and unite us in ways that peace alone cannot achieve.