Themes and Concepts in When
Everything is Connected
The theme of connection is especially apparent in When by Wren Brian. What Brian emphasizes, however, is the connection of humans to nature and our inability to wake up and realize that everything, including ourselves, is connected in one system. Animals are connected to the earth, the earth is connected to humans, and humans are connected to animals. There is, referencing the Lion King or not, a circle of life. It is our job to center that circle. Though humans have the power to create change, that by no means makes us more important than the other organisms at work. If anything, we should be letting those organisms and ecosystems work on their own. This is a large part of climate change. Our buildings, carbon emissions, fast agriculture, and countless other harmful factors are leading to a decay of habitats, extinction, and overall warming of the earth.
Meditation
Another theme in this play is meditation. When you listen, it is best to close your eyes and take in every sound, every voice, every breath, and every moment of silence. This play is centered on imagination, patience, remembrance but also reflection. It requires deep listening.
A Call to Action
The theme of action and discussion is another large theme in this piece. As Wren says, "There is a lot to re-learn." Humans must listen, discuss, and take action to create more healthy and sustainable ways of living, not only for our sake but for the sake of every living creature on the planet. We have the power to stop, reverse, and reset the world to its natural state while taking the time to educate ourselves in the meantime.
Call your senators, sign petitions, speak out. This is a time to be brave and give back to nature what we have stripped from it.
