Ciudades Paralelas (Parallel Cities): Roof – Review
National Arts Council approached Clique Wise to support their events. We booked the entire show for Roof – a blend of reality and theatrical presentation. I chose this event as I am curious to find out how a blind man leads his life.
It turned out to be a memorable, intimate and touching experience for all of us! One of the best arts event I've attended!
Daniel reaching out to us with his friendly smile and hand shake.
During the event, Daniel shared about how he lose his eyesight, the kampong he grew up in, how he was educated, what he does for a living, the places he has been, the mountains he has climbed and the sports medals he has received. During his free time, he composes songs with a guitar. We were utterly amazed by him!
Yet we have our mixed feelings...
The feelings are:
Impressed
The more we get to know Daniel, the more impressed we are his achievement, talents and zeal for life! Despite his disability, it didn't stop him from leading an active, healthy and fulfilling life. Daniel embrace life as every opportunity to be happy. There is no trace of bitterness in him at all! He is filled with more warmth, contentment and peace than anyone of us! He inspires us to pursue our dreams!
Empathy
We are happy that Daniel faces life positively. Deep down, we feel sorry for him. He could have done more exciting sports, travelled further and enjoyed more of God's creation if he could see. We felt for him when he told us that he lost his eye sight gradually since young. It must have been scary for a boy to lose it slowly. But he grew up to be such a positive, open-minded and diligent person, that, it is inappropriate and unneccessary for us to express our sympathy for him.
Ashamed
We are embarrassed to compare his achievements with ours. As we listened to him, we could only reflect and appreciate what we have more dearly.
Roof top view along Arab Street Singapore
Towards the end of the event, he brought us to a rooftop, strummed the guitar and sang us songs. The sunset, the colourful night scape, the rain, the buzz of Arab street and his voice soothed the mixed feelings. We bid him farewell, thanked him for an unforgettable evening and wish him well sincerely.
Thank you Daniel, for being a beacon of light, shining brightly in joy, wisdom and hope.
