November 2009

A Path Home

A Story of Thich Nhat Hanh

Created and performed by Masanari Kawahara
Directed by Sandy Spieler

“When bombs begin to fall on people, you cannot stay in the meditation hall all of the time. Meditation is about the awareness of what is going on-not only in your body and in your feelings, but all around you." -Thich Nhat Hanh, 2003*

This intimate performance explores the life and work of Thich Nhat Hanh, the Vietnamese monk, poet, and peace activist. In the hands of master visual storyteller Masanari Kawahara, eloquent puppets weave an interpretation of the man and his teachings in this new production. Based on writings by Thich Nhat Hanh, this active meditation juxtaposes the simple joys of life with the horrors of war and violence, and illuminates his influential path through both.
NEA Logo Funded in part by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts

Thich Nhat Hanh, the inspiration for and central character in A Path Home, was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1967, after playing a central role in the Vietnamese peace movement. He is a founder of Engaged Buddhism, which centers on love, mindfulness, and courage in action. He has dedicated his life to generating peace and social change through compassion.

*From an interview with John Malkin in “In Engaged Buddhism, Peace Begins with You”, John Malkin, Shambhala Sun, July 2003.

Watch the trailer for A Path Home:

A Path Home

Touring shows can be booked now for performance dates in 2010.

Please email Melissa Koch for booking details.
Check out this 3-minute egg video about the creation of A Path Home:
Listen to Euan Kerr’s story about A Path Home and HOBT on Minnesota Public Radio:
photos by Bruce Silcox
A Path Home
A Path Home
A Path Home
A Path Home