A note from “The Magi” playwright, Helen R. Murray

Murray is the playwright of “The Magi” and this is a piece about its production at Capital Repertory Theatre this December

I think about love a lot. About how, like water through a canyon, it carves and shapes us with a force that we cannot control. We certainly try. We try to put up walls, to stem the tide, or change its direction. But it is a force as big as nature, and it will always break through our levees and win out. Even if we don’t want it to, it will change us. I remember what it was like to fall in love for the first time. The power of it was undeniable. It changed the framing and path of my life. And there are much worse reasons to change your life, I promise. “The Gift of the Magi” story is such a perfect example of this overpowering force. Two people who fall in love and want to give their meager resources to each other. They cannot afford to sacrifice what they give away. But they do — for love. I wonder what the months and years after this aching and beautiful Christmas will bring “The Magi.” Will the hardships of their financial situation bring them closer, or tarnish their love? Will they slowly make their way out of poverty and find firm footing so they can grow their little family? Will they always have each other? 

Wondering about this makes me think of my own kids. My oldest, Eli, wrote the music and lyrics for “The Magi,” and Miah is onstage as Clem. And my youngest, Gabriella, who also is working on her life in the arts. It feels both completely natural, and like a miracle, that they too became artists, and that our creative paths all converged. And as I see them working on this show and on their other projects, I have the same questions about them, and love. About how, like all young people in today’s world, they will try to keep their love sacred amidst the rising tide of doctor’s bills, rent, and the cost of gas. We have not made it easy on the younger generation. 

This production at Capital Repertory Theatre has given me a chance to revisit and reshape this story. The insight and clarity that this process has brought me is becoming rarer in today’s theatre world. I am so thankful to Miriam and Dave and the team here for giving me and Eli the space to grow this piece. I adore the holidays in a Dickensian kind of way — it does seem that our best selves, our human kindness, is more evident during this season. I cherish times when we concentrate so acutely on what holds us all together. Where we celebrate the love we have for each other. It is, after all, the greatest gift we can share. I sincerely hope we can give it freely, and without conditions. Happiest of Holidays to you all!