Thomas explains that when a performer walks onstage, with a particular age, gender, and race, we graft things onto who they are. His direction was an attempt to shake up our thinking. 'What we're saying is that it can be anybody, that we're all connected, that we have this thing that binds us and bonds us. We wanted to identify our cast as interchangeable and accessible, but specific early in the show.' Their stories and identities were unique, but their humanity was universal.

The differences of the past still form a gap in the present. The differences of the present widen the gap.

Equality says we treat everyone the same, regardless of headwinds or tailwinds. Equity says we give people what they need to have the same access and opportunities as others, taking into account the headwinds they face, which may mean differential treatment for some groups.

Challenge yourself to hear their experience without questioning its expression. Avoid being the tone police.

If you are in the sun and I am in the rain, why is it divisive for me to point out this difference? What is really divisive is telling someone who is standing in the rain that it is not raining.