GRAND RAPIDS — “So much of art is about the process and not the production. This might not look the same way as other productions or other theater companies, but the process is what makes it beautiful.”
That’s how Itasca Life Options Assistant Director Sonia Lindgaard described the group’s latest play “Of Folk and Fancy: A Fable.”
Lindgaard was a recent guest on the KAXE Morning Show, along with the play’s director Rachelle Bergstedt, to discuss the upcoming shows.
Itasca Life Options is a nonprofit that provides day services to people with physical and intellectual disabilities. The organization was formed in 1965, and its mission is to empower and provide opportunities for people of all abilities.
"(The play) just a reflection of what we do at Itasca Life Options, where we celebrate the individual, and we might not fit into certain boxes, but that's okay with us," Lindgaard said. "That's what makes each one special."
Participants from Itasca Life Options decided on the kind of play they were interested in by voting between genres. Then each participant brainstormed possible characters to fit into the chosen forest folk tale. Each actor got to choose their role and what their name would be.
Bergstedt listened to the cast's ideas and wrote the original script.
“We serve a variety of individuals, people who need help with every task and every care," Lindgaard said. "And then folks who just need a little support and guidance. So that's what you're going to see in our play: just this huge spectrum of different abilities, different strengths, different talents.”
The nonprofit operates a craft studio and store in Central Square Mall in Grand Rapids called Crafted. Artists get a 60% commission on anything sold, and they also sell their items at the Lights in the Pines display at the Itasca County Fairgrounds during the holidays. The group also operates Dragonfly Coffee in Central Square Mall, offering employment for all abilities.
Lindgaard said there are one-and-a-half opportunities to see “Of Folk and Fancy: A Fable." The full show is Friday, Sept. 27, at noon. The opening scene will be performed ahead of BOLD-choice Theater’s “Sundown on the Jasper County Jewel” on Saturday, Sept. 28, at 7 p.m.
Both shows are in the Wilcox Theater at the Reif Center in Grand Rapids. Friday's performance is free, but you can reserve your seat and buy tickets to Saturday’s show at reifcenter.org, or buy tickets at the door.
Listen to the full Bright Spot conversation above.
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