E209 – Ben Vereen on Creative Expression, Stillness and Human Connection // The Art Of Life

May 30, 2024

“When a storm is raging all around you, be still and know – I am God.” Ben Vereen

E209 – Ben Vereen on Creative Expression, Stillness and Human Connection

The Art Of Life

Listen to the conversation:   

     

If you love the show, you can subscribe through iTunes, Stitcher or Spotify and listen offline on your favourite device. Podcasts are great for long drives and commuting!

About this interview:

How do we tantalise our spiritual paths to flourish a creative, equitable and harmonious future?

“When a storm is raging all around you, be still and know – I am God.” Ben Vereen

In this episode Amisha talks with Ben Vereen, an American actor, dancer and singer. Vereen gained prominence for his performances in the original Broadway productions of the musicals Jesus Christ Superstar, for which he received a Tony Award nomination, and Pippin, for which he won the 1973 Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical. Ben takes us on a sermon of insights into how our creative expression and spirituality can forge life paths.
 
We explore
:: destructive impacts of technology distractions to human connection
:: the role of spirituality on our collective growth
:: the power and interconnectedness of art and life
:: Humans as expressions of God
:: the importance of stillness
:: the true meaning of abundance
 
“The art of life is forever. You see it everywhere. Look how beautiful these trees are, how beautiful the birds are that fly by. We dance with it. It inspires us. It tantalises that art within us, and we have to express it in some way, and so we call it the performing arts.” Ben Vereen
 

Ben Vereen who is an award winning actor, dancer and singer. His legendary performances transcend time and have been woven into the fabric of America’s artistic legacy. His first love and passion is and always will be the stage. He shares “The theater was my first training ground. It taught me discipline, dedication, and appreciation of hard work and values that will stay with me for a lifetime. The stage sharpens the creative instrument and encourages you to go deeper inside and try new things,” Ben won a Tony Award for Pippin, starred in such musicals as Jesus Christ Superstar, Fosse, Hair, Jelly’s Last Jam, Chicago, and Wicked, to name a few, and is remembered for films like ‘Sweet Charity’, ‘All That Jazz,’ as well as the Emmy winning role of Chicken George in the iconic ‘Roots.’ Ben continues to tour the world with his concert act, motivational lectures, and master classes.

His latest endeavor is BROADWAY IN THE HOOD, based in Vegas where Ben is director of Global Outreach. Ben’s passion has been the arts and education working with organisations, such as The Entertainment Community Fund, the Gala for the York Theatre and the NYPD Jazz orchestra. He produced, directed and starred in an arts based gala for CARE FOR THE HOMELESS, which not only featured other high-profile celebrities, but a homeless choir. Prior to Covid, Ben worked with an organisation called Wellness for the Arts. He continues to teach master classes, visits schools across the country to encourage the arts, and he is an active member of Americans for the Arts, the largest advocacy group of the Arts in America. He went to Washington DC and spoke before Congress defending the National Endowment for the Arts against the proposed budget cuts.

To connect or work with Ben, visit Ben’s Insta

To connect or work with Amisha, visit amisha.co.uk

artwork video: Asiko

Resources and links from this episode:

Connect more with us:  ** Creating The Future – Our ebook gift featuring wisdom and inspiration from the first 44 episodes of the podcast **

 

←Previous Podcast Episode                                                  Next Podcast Episode (coming soon) → 

 

If you love this podcast, please join our membership. It’s the beating heart of ‘all that we are’ and our space to connect with you. As a member you are a patron of our work, helping us to stay advertising free in a world always trying to sell us things that we don’t need. For a small contribution, you can be part of our beautiful online world where we deepen the conversation and offer spaces of learning and practice. As a member you are a patron supporting the making of this show, and you receive a number of benefits such as special member only events, and discounts on all our courses, retreats and in person experiences. You will have membership to our app, and connect with inspiring humans through a social network to discuss the themes of the show away from the eyes of advertisers and the manipulation of big tech. Head to www.allthatweare.org/support to find out more.