The Autism Society of Southeastern Wisconsin (ASSEW) has been working closely with First Stage Theater to bring Mockingbird, the National Book Award-winning young adult novel by Kathryn Erskine about an autistic girl dealing with the tragic and unexpected loss of her brother, to the stage. The play opens this Friday, March 24. On the cusp of Autism Awareness Month (April) ASSEW is extending an invitation to the media to attend a talk-back after Sunday’s 3:30pm performance, where media and members of the audience are encouraged to ask questions about everything from the performance to the motivation behind the characters to ASSEW’s role in working with the actors to portray autistic characters honestly, sensitively and with authenticity. The talk-back will last 20-30 minutes, will be facilitated by Brenna Kempf, First Stage Associate Academy Director and Young Performer coach for Mockingbird, and is expected to begin around 5pm. Representatives from ASSEW will also be in attendance.
For more information about the performance and First Stage’s partnership with the Autism Society of Southeastern WI, please see the attached press release, or contact Rechelle Chaffee at 414-801-1689.