It's spreading! The infectious power of Jo van Gogh's story
Jo’s infectious!
Let me share some crazy flourishing.
You would not believe how the word on Jo van Gogh’s life is spreading. I have a Google Alert set up for “Jo van Gogh,” which means I catch posts on the internet whenever her story inspires new art forms.
Well, there are tons.
This makes me so happy.
Here are four examples:
In Italy, Jo’s story inspired a three-voice show, The Woman Who Unveiled Van Gogh. In November, it was staged as part of the Art View Festival in Cascina, Italy. It featured the Festival director Federico Giannini, and two theater actors Giulia Perelli and Nicholas Fanucchi. The Woman Who Unveiled Van Gogh
A limited TV series about the life of Jo van Gogh Bonger is under development in the U.S. Rights to the Van Gogh Museum’s biography, Jo van Gogh-Bonger: The Woman Who Made Vincent Famous (Hans Luitjen), were acquired by an indie production company. The thoughtful biography sits on my bookshelf as a major source for my book. I met Hans when I traveled to Amsterdam and his stewardship over Jo’s legacy is ironclad. I imagine the tv series will be great. Limited tv series
There will be singing! A bio-musical, titled Van Gogh: An Original Musical, is in the works on Broadway. It will tell the story of Vincent and his family from Jo’s point of view. It features a book and lyrics by Celine Snippe and music by Eric Fegan, with Will Nunziata directing. Van Gogh bio-musical
Another music theatre work, VINCENT, was a 30-minute piece performed in May in the UK. According to the description, “The performance pairs original music for brass and dialogue by Elizabeth [McNally], telling the story of the turbulent and incredible life of Van Gogh, as told through the eyes of his sister-in-law Jo Van Gogh.” Wowza - brass instruments! That’s passion! VINCENT music theatre
You know, I’m thinking the normal book-reading and calm Q&A for my book launch in April won’t really cut it.
I need a brass band!
Singing!
Albert Einstein once said, “The most important decision we make is whether we believe we live in a friendly or hostile universe.”
Frankly, there are times I slip back and forth in my beliefs, especially when I read about insane news events that feel baffling, alarming. But reading the Google Alerts on how Jo’s life of service and accomplishment is initiating works of art heartens me. It means her story and example so uplifted and inspired these creatives that they want to share it through their own imaginative talents.
By all accounts, Jo wasn’t motivated by prestige, wealth or power to save Vincent’s paintings from obscurity. Yes, she wanted her son to have an inheritance after Vincent and then her husband Theo died. Yes, she wanted to continue Theo’s legacy for she’d lived with his dedication to seeing Vincent’s work acknowledged—only to die too soon. And, most importantly, yes—her sense of purpose aligned with this work. She was inspired by an intention that compelled her to continue working for Vincent’s acknowledgement despite setback and discouragement.
Hers is as much a modern-day story as a turn-of-the-century one.
For along with that Broadway bio-musical and limited tv series, she’s certainly inspired me.
Hopefully, you, too, when my book comes out in April.
On this note, may you flourish in this holiday season. May your heart thump like a cheerful brass band! May you hum and sing and reaffirm the friendliness of the universe—yes, in spite of it all—have the courage to imagine a creative, beautiful, kind, expansive, abundant universe.
It could be infectious!
P.S. Thank you for your generosity in reading this blog. It’s been a rewarding, humbling year. I’m taking the next week off and look forward to joyfully reconnecting with you in 2025. Happy New Year!
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