I saw this excellent one-woman show last night about taking risks and enjoying the small moments in life and the ride along the way. It’s about the journey in general and our strong striving for some form of connection.
It resonated with me in the sense that it made me think about the difference between attachment and connection. The main character’s name is Dorothy (played by Susinn McFarlen). Dorothy’s story is based on the playwright’s mother’s life. After losing her husband, she decides to take their RV on the road trip of his retirement dreams: she’s going to Burning Man. After all, it’s only a 21-hour drive to a weeklong culture festival and party with no plumbing in the middle of a desert—how hard can it be? Burning Mom is a stirring odyssey of self-discovery and tale of how art, everlasting roads, and human connection propel her along the way. McFarlen did a wonderful job of entertaining us with stories for over two hours, with one set/costume change after a short intermission.
My question is – is everyone always trying to find themselves? Are we trying to carve a path that will make us feel whole or make sense out of living? At times, I believe so.
I, myself, have never had a burning (pun intended) desire to go to this festival. It’s not that I’m not curious about Burning Man, and probably once there I’d enjoy it for what it is…but it’s not on my bucket list. Luckily, I’ve crossed a lot of stuff off my personal bucket list. And it’s not a great idea to live someone else’s dream. Although I did live my late mother’s dream trip of going on safari. With my sister no less. What a bittersweet experience that was.
Getting back to the play; the only connection I have to this play is that my late husband had a Eurovan Camper that he loved and that we used a lot. I didn’t love it as much but I ended up enjoying his enjoyment of it. There were many special places we ended up discovering with that little camper. However, after he passed, I tried to keep it and learn how to drive stick shift which didn’t work out so well in the end. I had some similar parking experiences as the performer in this play. Some funny; some not. I ended up selling it. So in essence I was hanging on to it because of his (not my) love of camping. Hanging on to someone else’s love of something is a form of attachment.
Anyway, I was recently discussing the difference between attachment and connection with a friend. The difference lies in their nature and depth. Although I must say that I feel both an attachment and a connection to my dogs.
Attachment often stems from a need or dependency. It can involve clinging to someone or something for comfort, security, or emotional support. While attachment can feel strong, it may be rooted in fear—fear of loss, change, or being alone. It can sometimes create unhealthy dynamics if it becomes possessive or overly dependent.
Connection, on the other hand, is more about mutual understanding, resonance, and genuine presence. It doesn’t rely on need or fear but instead arises from shared experiences, values, and emotional attunement. A connection feels freeing, nurturing, and balanced—it’s about being with someone, not needing to hold on tightly.
Interesting, no? How many things are you attached to and how many are you connected to?
MORE SHOWS ADDED—NOW PLAYING TO APRIL 24
Granville Island Stage
Cast: Susinn McFarlen – Dorothy
Creative
- Mieko Ouchi Director
- Patrick Rizzotti Set Designer
- Kirsten McGhie Costume Designer
- John Webber Lighting Designer
- Kim Clegg Projection Designer
- Ashley Au Sound Designer
- Ana Camacho Assistant Set Designer9.
- Rebecca Mulvihill Stage Manager 9.
- Harlow Nguyen Apprentice Stage Manager
Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION. 
You must be logged in to post a comment.