Original. Unique. In-Depth.

Custom Shows

Erasing the Distance creates or co-designs custom shows for communities interested in exploring their own true stories regarding mental health and/or disability.

This is the case this semester at Al Raby High School on Chicago’s West Side. ETD Executive Artistic Director, Brighid O’Shaughnessy, is working with 12 seniors in AP Psychology as part of their service learning. The goal is to help them learn more about what mental illness is, how it can manifest, and what treatments are available. The project includes real people who have experienced mental illness sharing their stories with the students. Ultimately, the students will either write their own stories or interview people they know who have experienced mental illnesses and then turn those stories into a theatrical production.

In only four sessions so far, the results have been powerful. Here are some of the young people’s reflections:

I have already learned that mental illness is something that everyone is vulnerable to experiencing. I used to think that I didn’t want to be around people that had it. Now I realize that people with mental illness are just people. -Trevon

I used to think that if someone was depressed that they could just get themselves out of it, that being around friends was enough to lift it. After hearing the true stories, I realize that’s not true. These things take time and a lot of help to overcome. – Marquita

I learned a lot from the woman who shared about Seasonal Affective Disorder. I had never even HEARD of that before. I didn’t realize the weather could really affect someone like that. – Brionna

ETD Executive Artistic Director, Brighid, has been blown away by the students thoughtfulness, sensitivity and openness and looks forward to the next 12 sessions together.

If your school is interested in doing something similar with ETD, give us a call! 773.944.5062.