What’s In My Survival Kit? Inspired by Life of Pi
By Ana Cruz
If I were stranded at sea like Pi in Life of Pi, what would be in my survival kit?
Not the practical things—like a compass or a knife—but the emotional and symbolic items that keep me going when life gets stormy. The things that remind me of who I am, where I come from, and what I believe in.
As I prepare for the Life of Pi musical coming to Broadway Dallas on August 5th, I’ve been reflecting on what I would carry with me to survive the unpredictable waves of life. Some are objects, others are memories, but each one holds deep meaning. Here’s what’s in my personal survival kit:
1. Creativity — A Notebook and Colored Pencils
This might sound funny, but when I was around 12 years old, people were talking a lot about the “end of the world” coming with the year 2000. It terrified me. Every night before bed, I would carry a stack of books, a notebook, and colored pencils to my room like they were treasures. They made me feel safe, alive, and hopeful.
Since I can remember, as long as I have something to create with, I feel grounded. Writing, reading, and imagining ideas has always been my way to stay afloat. That’s why, in any survival situation—real or emotional—I’d bring my journal and colors. They are tools not just for survival, but for joy.
2. Faith — My Little Cross
Without faith, I am nothing.
Through the hardest moments of my life—when my mom and older brother migrated to the U.S. and I stayed behind in Mexico at 18 to care for my younger brother while going to university, when I made the leap to move to the U.S. chasing my American dream, or more recently, when my second son was born and had to be on life support—faith carried me.
I’ve always had a small cross with me. It’s not just a symbol. It’s a reminder that God is with me, even when the ocean feels too big to cross.
3. A Clay Water Jug (Cantarito) — A Taste of Home
Okay, not everything in this survival kit has to be so serious!
One thing I’d definitely bring is a clay jug, the kind my grandmother used to fill with fresh water from the spring near the mountain “El Cerro de los Ates” by our village. If you’re Mexican, you know exactly what I’m talking about—the cantaritos that keep water deliciously cool and earthy.
My mom still has one. And the last time I visited Mexico, I brought one back from Guanajuato. I fill it at night and drink from it first thing in the morning. It reminds me of my roots, my family, and the land that raised me. In the middle of chaos, it’s a sip of peace.
My mom still has one. And the last time I visited Mexico, I brought one back from Guanajuato. I fill it at night and drink from it first thing in the morning. It reminds me of my roots, my family, and the land that raised me. In the middle of chaos, it’s a sip of peace.
Why This Post?
Because Life of Pi is more than a survival story—it’s about identity, resilience, faith, and imagination. It reminds us that the things we carry inside us are often stronger than the challenges we face.
Fun fact: In the musical, Pi actually lands in Mexico after his journey across the ocean and receives care at a hospital there. Isn’t that such a beautiful and powerful connection for all of us in the Hispanic community?
Want to see Life of Pi live?
Don’t miss your chance to experience this breathtaking production live in Dallas!
Broadway Dallas and Broadway Across America (BAA) are thrilled to present LIFE OF PI, the Tony Award®-winning theatrical experience that has captivated audiences around the world. Performances will run from August 5–17, 2025 at the Winspear Opera House as part of the 2024/2025 Broadway Series.
We’re giving away free tickets to Opening Night — August 5 at 7:30 PM at Broadway Dallas!
Check out my Instagram @rollosdemujeres to enter the giveaway, and stay tuned—we’ll be sharing some of YOUR answers to “What’s in your survival kit?” right here in this post!
Or, buy your tickets directly at BroadwayDallas.org or by calling 800-982-2728.
For groups of 10 or more, call 214-426-4768 or email Groups@BroadwayDallas.org.
What’s in your survival kit?
Tell us in the comments or on IG — and don’t forget to bring your heart, your faith, and your imagination to the theater.
