Bringing Yeshe Tsogyal to the stage represents the union of two profound and vital streams of my life: Theatre Art and Buddhadharma—my professional livelihood and my spiritual path. My aspiration is that everyone who comes in contact with our dramatization of the life of Yeshe Tsogyal will be inspired toward awakening.
The story of how All-Victorious Ocean came to be dates to the summer of 2007 when I was writing a play on the subject of rape. The play was overladen with suffering where it recounted real-life first-person narratives of rape survivors and perpetrators. I needed a device to balance the relentless suffering and victimization, and through research in the Tibetan Buddhist teachings I discovered the concept of dakini—female wisdom energy able to transform any situation for the betterment of beings. I considered introducing a Chorus of Dakinis into my play to hold the devastating energy of rape in the light of compassionate awareness.
In researching dakinis further, I came across the biography of Yeshe Tsogyal. There I discovered a tender and formidable woman who had withstood the experience of rape—indeed, gang rape—and through her wisdom and compassion had been able to bring about the psycho-spiritual transformation of her attackers. I saw her as revolutionary: a sentient being working skillfully and empathically with the lust and hostility of sexual assault. I pondered how I might include Yeshe Tsogyal and what she represents in my play.
Shortly thereafter, as if by some magical invitation, I was asked to give a talk on Yeshe Tsogyal in honor of the Feminine Principle. It dawned on me that, rather than describing Yeshe Tsogyal, I could embody her! Using the translations of her biography, I wrote a solo performance piece and on a Saturday night in November of 2008, Yeshe Tsogyal appeared in Philadelphia to tell her story. The audience response was tremendous.
In the audience were fellow meditation practitioners now committed to developing the Yeshe Tsogyal project: Michael Carroll, Executive Producer; Susanna Lack, Producing Director; and Alison Driscoll and Margie Strosser, Associate Producers.
As it happened, I never finished writing the rape play. Instead, I poured its good heart into All-Victorious Ocean.
To perform Yeshe Tsogyal is a privilege beyond compare. Her journey, which embraces sex without lust, courage without aggression, and spiritual accomplishment without arrogance, is like the fierce roar of a noble lioness. It is a profound example of how to eliminate personal suffering and be of unsurpassable benefit to sentient beings. May my journey with the project reflect a shade of her brilliance.
Joanna Rotté
