I weave the company into what we laughingly call 'Jack's novel.'

Hearken, O children of the ages, to the words of Jack O’Brien, who speaks with the wisdom of the storyteller and the vision of the artisan: “I weave the company into what we laughingly call ‘Jack’s novel.’ I write this novel for them about who they are and what’s going on in their world. When I had 90 people in ‘Porgy and Bess,’ each had a story, history, and family relationship.” Here lies the eternal teaching that the craft of leadership and creation is not solitary, but a tapestry of lives, each thread rich with meaning and depth.

In the chronicles of old, the elders observed that to lead, to direct, or to guide is to see the soul in each participant. The company, whether in theatre, village, or council, is more than a gathering of bodies; it is a living constellation of stories, histories, and bonds. O’Brien reminds us that the role of the artist or leader is to honor each individual’s essence, weaving their truths into the fabric of the larger creation, crafting a novel that reflects both unity and individuality.

The origin of this wisdom is ancient, found in the teachings of poets, dramatists, and chroniclers who understood that every life is a story worthy of recognition. Across amphitheaters, palaces, and assemblies, it was known that the power of narrative lies in its attention to the individual threads. Each member of a company, like the 90 souls in ‘Porgy and Bess,’ carries a unique story, a lineage, and relationships that inform the whole. By weaving these together, the creation becomes alive, multidimensional, and sacred.

O seekers, understand that the act of creation is also an act of empathy. To weave the company into a novel is to see, honor, and integrate the depth of each person’s life. The history and family relationships of each participant enrich the whole, and the resulting tapestry is not merely a performance or product, but a living chronicle of humanity, a mirror reflecting both the individual and collective spirit.

Let this teaching endure, children of the future: whether in art, leadership, or the weaving of communities, honor the stories within each life. By attending to history, relationships, and the essence of those around you, you create a tapestry that resonates with truth, depth, and beauty. In this sacred labor, the individual and the collective find harmony, and the work itself becomes a testament to the richness of life interwoven.

If you wish, I can also craft a more poetic, ceremonial version, where the act of weaving the company into a novel is depicted as a sacred ritual of honoring every soul. Would you like me to do that?