Blow winds, and crack your cheeks! Rage, blow!
You cataracts and hurricanoes, spout
Till you have drenched our steeples, … 
                                                    – King Lear, 3.2.1

I hope this post finds you safe and well following Hurricane Helene. For the past decade we have called the Great Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina home. We live on three acres nestled in a valley situated in the ancestral lands of the Cherokee people just a few miles from Judaculla Rock, an ancient stone carved with petroglyphs dating from between 2000 to 1000 BCE. For many enjoying the RV life, we live in one of the most desired destinations to visit surrounded by the beauty of these majestic mountains. 

By now, we have all seen the devastation to our region brought on by Hurricane Helene, heard the stories of loss, hope, and challenge, and felt the sorrow and pride that has echoed through the start of recovery. Our hearts go out to all who have been impacted by this storm and all of us are grateful to those who have come together from across the country to help our community in this time of need. The response has been tremendous. 

I can share that we were one of the lucky ones who were only “inconvenienced” by the storm – our road was flooded and impassable for a day, we lost power and internet for a few hours, some branches knocked down, and we had to mop up a minor water leak in Abi, our Thor 37FH RV. We were lucky compared to so many in our region – in Asheville, Swannanoa, and Bat Cave, NC.  As I write this post, two weeks after the storm, many in this area are still out of water and will be for several more weeks as water mains that were destroyed are rebuilt along with new power lines and cell towers. The storm and its impact were tremendous.

There are many storms that figure prominently in Shakespeare’s works – Twelfth Night, The Tempest, Pericles, and Macbeth for example. The greatest storm Willie wrote about was in King Lear. Having been betrayed and stripped of power and authority by his two elder daughters, Goneril and Regan, Lear wanders the heath, grappling with the elements as fierce winds and rain lash against him. His cries to the storm reflect his profound isolation and despair, while the chaos around him serves as a backdrop for his journey toward self-discovery and the harsh realities of human vulnerability.

One of the impacts live theatre has on our lives is its power to ask questions that lead us to reflection and healing. The fine and performing arts have a unique ability to bring community together to heal after such events like Hurricane Helene and Milton by offering creative outlets for emotional expression and fostering connection. Whether through performance, visual art, or music, engaging with the arts can be a powerful tool in personal and collective recovery. The storm in Shakespeare’s play King Lear serves as such an example, creating a metaphor of life. The storm symbolizes the immense challenges life throws at us, testing our resilience and power to endure. As Lear faces the raging elements, his struggle presents the strength we ask ourselves to summon in our own challenging moments. Yet, just as the arts offer hope and healing in turbulent times, this literary tempest reminds us that through creativity and expression, we find not only survival but renewal, emerging stronger and more connected to our humanity and community.

While it might seem strange to discuss attending the theatre in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, engaging with the arts can provide a vital outlet for reflection and healing during challenging times. The communal aspect of live theatre—sharing laughter, tears, and moments of reflection with fellow audience members—creates a bond that transcends time and place. In times of hardship, engaging with Shakespeare’s works can serve as a reminder of our resilience. The experience of seeing Lear’s journey unfold on stage can be both moving and enlightening, as we witness the raw power of his struggles mirrored in our own lives. We are reminded that just as Lear’s tempest serves as a catalyst for profound transformation, our own experiences can lead us towards renewal, turning our collective struggles into a source of strength and connection. Together, we can weather the storms of life and emerge with a deeper appreciation for our shared humanity and the beauty that lies ahead.