Quick Links :
What is Cosmos About?
The Philosophy Behind Cosmos
How It All Started (Short History)
Future Aim of Cosmos
The Philosophy Behind Cosmos
To begin with, though, Cosmos is for people who think words aren’t enough. If you’ve ever said – or thought – “I’m tired of all this talk. Let’s do something about it!” then you’ll probably like Cosmos. As we’re now all being affected by the economic crisis as well as global warming, it really does seem to be a time when doing something, make a real change, is needed. We hope that Cosmos will empower us for that change.
How it all Started (Short History)
Cosmos is already twelve years old. That might seem a long time in the genesis of an arts project, but remember the cosmos itself is probably just a few billion years older! Much of the history of Cosmos is the history of the people – the community – who are now producing it, and you can meet them on the Community page.
To sum up, though, Cosmos started as a cycle of organ pieces based on Gregorian chant, picked up some singers, developed with input from spirituality, philosophy and theology and many encounters – with drummers and homeless people; philosophers and dancers; mystics and business people.
Occasionally we had to change direction or reverse gear. But on July 18th last year it came together, and we saw some key themes emerge, which you might call four “pillars” on which Cosmos is built. They give you some ways into Cosmos, and like all things cosmic, are interconnected. Read on…
The big plan is full performances of all nine pieces in summer 2009. After that, our hope is that Cosmos will travel. We already have an invitation to take it to Brussels, the heart of political Europe. The role of Cosmos for promoting peace through collaboration is an ambition too.
Mount Ararat in Eastern Turkey, which is where traditionally Noah’s Ark landed, and the focus of cultural meeting (and conflict) between Turkey and Armenia, is one dream (the third piece of Cosmos, Season of the Dead, was partly inspired by Atom Egoyan’s film Ararat).
Also high on the list is Jerusalem, sacred to three religions, beloved of many and the focus of ongoing conflict. Closer to home, bringing Cosmos to villages caught up in the (often forgotten) farming crisis and the inner city. But really, we’re happy to bring Cosmos wherever we’re invited!
Branching beyond performances, we’d like to do practical workshops for anyone who wants to have a go at Cosmos themselves – singing, dancing, or whatever can fit in. Working from the principle of community, linking up with artists, environmental activists, meditation and faith groups for collaborations is something we’re really open to.
There’s already a possibility of some workshops connecting dance with the great sacred choral music of Palestrina. And as you can see, Cosmos has a lot of philosophical/metaphysical implications, so we’re keen to enter the academic forum too. And if a possibility grabs you, just let us know!
Rt. Rev. Alan Hopes
Auxiliary Catholic Bishop of Westminster
Rt. Rev. Riah Abu El-Assal,
former Anglican Bishop in Jerusalem
Dr. Christine Hansen,
Founding Partner of Hansen Partnership www.hansenpartnership.com
