It’s the superpower of budding entrepreneurs and the lifeline of innovation: Empathy is needed more than ever today to meet the great challenges of the 21st century.

Zambian-Malawian theater artist Mbene Mwambene has spent his career travelling and performing internationally. His piece “The Whispers” charts the impact of colonialism on his family history. Here, he talks to scholar and dramaturg Michel Büch about their collaboration on the piece, the concept of “white promise,” and awkward audience discussions.