the platform of Grace Cathedral (one of the most beautiful and grand Cathedral’s of San Francisco) and received the Muslim call to prayer and then followed with a full traditional prostration. I am sure this was the first time this has been done at Grace Cathedral. I feel like a lot of the interfaith work in some ways encourages a diluting of religious practice, and for me I think there is a great beauty in being able to be fully immersed in ones religious practice, yet at the same time understand the unity of all people and be able to respect other paths. I think that this approach is more helpful in situations like in Israel, where people are so passionate about their practice and faith. For me the ultimate Miriam’s Well performance needs to happen in the Middle East, and I do hope to bring it to Israel and collaborate with artists there from the Jewish, Muslim and Christian communities. There is much praise in the reviews of this project, do you think you have actually reached people, succeeded in ‘changing’ their minds and bridged the gap, what the US audience is concerned? I don’t know really how much the piece “changed” anyone’s mind about anything. The San Francisco Bay Area is already so progressive and integrated, I don’t see as much a need for bridging of gaps as I do in Israel and the Middle East. I do know that there were many tears shed and emotionally moved audience members. I think more than shedding light on the topic of “peace and unity in the Middle East,” audience members were forced to watch and appreciate highly “religious” art and here the prayers of the Muslims, Jews and Christians sung and danced in ways they never have before. After reading this post: “Miriam’s dance classes transcend technique and choreography; they compel the dancer to become a poet, a conduit of creative intention, a vessel for music. I always leave class with ruminations on transcendence, with heightened presence, and
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