Life as a long to-do list. A dystopian vision, or a relatable attempt to gain control over an increasingly complex reality? In notebooks and digital notes, we put into words our daily worries, deepest desires, greatest fears, trivial matters, grand plans, and things that cannot bear the light of day.

Theatermakers Nastaran Razawi Khorasani and Matijs Jansen write a long and candid to-do list with which they try to make sense of their lives, optimize their happiness, keep their relationships in balance, care for their children as best they can, reflect on the spirit of the times, and not become estranged from the country in which they live.

Their lists meander from “Not being afraid of my own anger” to “Placing a note next to my bed with the phrase: ‘At night, it’s harder to put things into perspective’” to “Constantly, yet subtly, making it clear to everyone that I am a sensible person with my heart in the right place and a playful sense of humor, which nonetheless does not undermine the depth of conversations.” Sometimes their lists clash, and other times they fit together harmoniously. They offer insight into their different personalities and views on parenting, communication, love life, politics, and outlook on life. And despite the differences, a picture emerges of a couple with children who are doing their best to stay together in these times.