All About People

This article is part of an ongoing series exploring my interest in composer Philip Glass’s work, and how his music intersects with themes of conflict and dispute resolution. I recently attended the Irish premiere of Naqoyqatsi, a live orchestral and film experience presented by the Philip Glass Ensemble and the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, commissioned by the National Concert Hall Dublin. This event offered a rare opportunity to witness Glass’ haunting, rhythmic composition alongside Godfrey Reggio’s powerful visuals on the big screen—a combination that stimulated reflections on my work in mediation and conflict coaching.

Naqoyqatsi: A cinematic and musical meditation on conflict

Naqoyqatsi, translated from the Hopi language, means ‘a life of killing each other’ or ‘war as a way of life.’ The film is the third in a trilogy created by Reggio and Glass, designed to explore how the world’s natural beauty and inherent conflicts are affected by technology. Here, the line between humanity and machinery becomes blurred, inviting viewers to contemplate the ways in which modern life can become a battleground—not just on the battlefield but in everyday interactions.

As Reggio describes, the film reveals “the allurement, seduction, and sanctioned terror of ordinary daily living—a world at war beyond the battlefield, a conflagration between old and new nature—total war.” The combined visual and auditory experience of Naqoyqatsi pulls viewers into this ‘civilised violence,’ forcing us to confront the omnipresence of conflict as an undercurrent in our lives. In mediation, we often confront the ripple effects of these conflicts, whether they stem from interpersonal disputes, or the friction caused by technological change.

Music, technology, and the nature of conflict

The film merges recognisable images of nature and humanity, altered to appear synthetic or virtual through digital manipulation. Reggio uses advanced technology and digital editing to reframe everyday life into a series of jarring, even unsettling scenes that reflect the competitive drive, confrontations, and relentless pace of our modern world. Glass’ score, meanwhile, accentuates this tension, shifting between moments of calm and crescendos that evoke the feeling of being drawn into an inescapable cycle of struggle and power dynamics.

For those of us in mediation and conflict resolution, Naqoyqatsi serves as a striking metaphor. As the film demonstrates, technology often alters or distances us from our natural inclinations toward empathy and understanding. In mediation, one of our roles is to bring people back into closer, more genuine connection—to disentangle the ‘virtual’ layers of misunderstanding and division that have accumulated.

The metaphor of ‘Life as War’ in mediation practice

Naqoyqatsi pushes us to see how conflict is an integral part of life, much as Glass’ music flows through Reggio’s intense visuals. The idea that life could be seen as a perpetual conflict challenges us as mediators to explore how individuals might view their own lives through the lens of ‘life as war.’ Mediation, at its best, is the counterpoint to this view. It encourages disputants to shift from adversarial mindsets to collaborative problem-solving.

Mediation requires a use of energy—the same energy of competition or survival that Reggio and Glass explore—and redirects it towards mutual understanding and resolution. While we’re conscious not to impose our perspectives, there is often an opportunity to help parties reframe their own narratives, which can de-escalate tension and promote peace. In the words of the film’s title, we work to help others step away from ‘naqoyqatsi,’ or ‘life as war’, towards a more balanced and constructive coexistence.

Reflections on modern challenges and dystopian themes

While it might feel extreme to compare Naqoyqatsi to our current world, the film’s dystopian tone resonates with many contemporary concerns: rising global tensions, the influence of AI, and the distance that digital culture can create. As mediators, we are uniquely positioned to see both the beauty and the friction that characterise human interactions in this context.

Glass and Reggio’s work serves as a reminder of the essential human experience within these conflicts. While technology rapidly advances, human needs for connection, empathy, and understanding remain constant. Our work as mediators is often to peel back the  layers of misunderstanding, allowing authentic human expression to emerge amid the noise of modern life.

An invitation to reflect

I encourage anyone interested in exploring the roots of conflict to experience Naqoyqatsi, if not in a live performance, then on a large screen to fully appreciate the impact. The film is a powerful reminder of the forces at play in our lives and work, and it challenges us to see conflict in a new light. In a sense, Naqoyqatsi is both a warning and a call to action for those of us dedicated to guiding people out of conflict to resolution and understanding.

For more information on how All About People can support you with mediation and conflict resolution, please get in touch.

Posted: 20th November 2024