Art Finds a Way

Recently, there have been several movie and TV casts, as well as musicians, who have gotten together online to share new content.  It’s taken the form of virtual cast runions, follow-up episodes, table readings, and concerts.  

I think it’s brilliant.

People are spending enormous amounts of time at home, and these events, usually one-off productions, provide entertainment and levity at a time when it’s most needed.

Not only does the audience get a chance to see and virtually “catch up” with old favorite performers, but the cast members also have the opportunity to reconnect with each other.  They get to see old friends, even if it’s not in person, and do what they do best.

Many of these virtual events have been done with a charitable cause in mind.  It’s truly a win for everyone involved.

Today, I was watching one of these specials, a follow-up to the sweet movies, “Father of the Bride,” Parts 1 and 2.  They called the new sequel, “Father of the Bride, Part 3 (ish).”

It was short, charming, totally apropos to the current environment, and I will admit it:  I actually cried. 

And it made me think about what this phenomenon of free online content says about the nature of the creative people who make and share it with their fans.

My conclusion is this:

Art finds a way.  To borrow a phrase (and change it up,) “Creators gonna create.”

Even in difficult times, even under weird circumstances, artists will figure things out.  They will look for new ways to bring people together and share their work.  It clearly takes flexibility and an open mind, but creative people are good at that.  It’s what they do.

The audience has to bend a little, too.  When concerts can’t happen, and movie theaters are closed (long live the drive-ins!), the expectations are different.  A  quality evening of entertainment can still happen, even if it’s not the same as a “real” concert or movie.

And remember, not only are these performances free to watch online, but usually, the creators are doing this work with absolutely no financial compensation.  

It’s not about the money.  It’s about the art and about caring for others.

This should remind us all of the importance of making and sharing our work, whatever form that takes.

In life, there usually is a silver lining, and the creatives are the ones who are looking for it.  Art matters, even (maybe especially) in hard times.  I hope that whenever things go “back to normal,” this lesson is remembered and treasured.