Directing a Lauren Yee play is an honor. Every word matters and every thread woven into the fabric of her plays has a meaning. Lauren often talks about how every playwright has one basic story they are trying to perfect with every play they write. Her plays are about family secrets and how only when those secrets are revealed can we experience catharsis.

The Great Leap to me is a call to action, with young people teaching us that today is your day to step up and make a difference. It’s about home, and what that word means for a country of immigrants. It’s about living with the impact of our parent’s decisions and how our perceptions of them can change completely over time. I also love what Lauren is saying about the power of state and the capacity of governments to do deep, lasting damage to their citizens. You don’t get to demonize a foreign power before you deal with the sins of your own country’s past.

As for basketball, I grew up in North Carolina, where the tobacco road rivalries meant it was a part of my life whether I liked it or not. The state is home to Michael Jordan and 13 NCAA titles. My dad and I played basketball from the time I got off school until it was time to eat dinner. He used basketball to teach me about integrity and belief…lessons much like the ones in this play.

Sports bring people from all backgrounds together. It is one of the few subjects that you can bring up to a stranger at any bar in the world and find common ground. The event of theatre and sport are very similar. Both require physicality, fast thinking, hours of preparation, and responsiveness from the players. Both bring people together for a shared live experience. Both are influenced by the reactions and energy of their audiences. They have their heroes and villains, and on any given night you can witness something magical.

The characters in this play are brave. They have an enormous amount of heart and sacrifice for the things they love.  And through this entire process they have taught me it is always your turn to take a shot.

Now, the ball is in your court.