What About Joy?

Theatre is a metaphor for life.

As a young man studying theatre, I had the privilege of working with Henry Timm, one of the finest directors I've ever encountered. His wisdom left an indelible mark on me, particularly his insight on the essence of theater.

“Theater,” Henry told me, “is all about giving.” He explained that it's a chain of generosity: the playwright gives their idea and script to the director, who then gives that play and their vision to the cast. Finally, the cast gives the play and themselves to the audience.

This profound observation isn't just about theater; it's a powerful metaphor for life itself.

The cast (including me, wearing purple) of “Three Tales of the Arabian Nights,” written and directed by Henry Timm

Generosity

Consider the gifts we've been bestowed - our time, talents, and resources. These aren't meant to be hoarded but shared generously. This philosophy resonates with a quote from another, more famous Henry:

“The man who will use his skill and constructive imagination to see how much he can give for a dollar instead of how little he can give for a dollar is bound to succeed.”
Henry Ford

Service

Comedian Rodney Dangerfield, known for his jokes about being perpetually disrespected, summed up the pitfalls of self-centeredness with trademark humor: “I tried looking out for number one. I stepped in number two.” A one-liner from his comedic routine, this quip carries a deeper truth. The more we fixate on personal gain - serving ourselves at the expense of others - the messier our lives become. It's a reminder that a self-centered approach often yields unsavory results.

Joy

Henry Timm's wisdom extended beyond the stage. He once shared an anecdote with me about a friend who claimed that pain was a reminder of being alive. Henry's response was both simple and profound: “What about joy?” This perspective shift encourages us to seek out and appreciate the positive aspects of life, rather than focusing solely on hardships.

Perhaps the most beautiful expression of these three virtues comes from Rabindranath Tagore, the renowned Bengali artist and author:

“I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted, and behold, service was joy.”

This poetic statement beautifully links the concepts of joy, service, and fulfillment, reminding us that true happiness often comes from what we give, not what we receive.