I didn’t mean that in a disparaging way to our elders — they did what they could with what they were dealt. We do need to learn from their experiences. This cultural transmission is vital, and I would argue that many of the divisions imposed on us are there to stop that transmission from happening.

A few beta readers wondered about the significance of the tape. Why not let Hagop play the piano throughout? I insisted. Hagop getting up to play in the middle of the piece is his act of resistance, his own personal Intifada. We will be spectators of our own destiny unless we refuse to follow the script and play our own music.