“A” Train
By Anne Torsiglieri
Music by Brad Carroll
Directed by Risa Brainin
one mom’s journey on the autism train
When Amy learns that one of her young twins is autistic, she feels like her life is falling apart. She plunges into the world of autism, trying to piece together a new reality from the countless people she meets: parents, educators, teachers and especially other autistic individuals. Abounding with music, irreverent humor and verbatim interviews, the world of the play is part oral history project, part magical journey into the heartbeat of a different way of being. One woman plays multiple roles in this adventurous exploration of what it is to be human. In the process Amy is changed forever, learning to see the world, her son and the very nature of happiness with clearer eyes.
RUN TIME
Approximately 95 minutes, plus a post-show discussion after every performance.
AGE RECOMMENDATION
Due the unfiltered nature of Anne’s story and the mature language that brings, we recommend this show for ages 15 and up.
Talkback Panelists
(click to expand)
- McCafferty S. Kermon, LEND Faculty member at the Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities
- Lee M. Marcus, Ph.D., Consulting Psychologist with the TEACCH Autism Program
- Danyale Sturdivant, Licensed Clinical Social Worker for the State of North Carolina
- Harriet Able, Associate Professor in early childhood and special education in the School of Education at UNC
- Ruth Thomson, Parent Support Coordinator, TEACCH Autism Program
- Allison Zoller, Project Manager for the UNC Autism Research Center
- Baiyina W. Muhammad, LEND Fellow at the Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities and parent advocate
- Hunter L Blanton, LEND Fellow at the Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities and parent advocate
- Mary E. Van Bourgondien, Ph. D., Clinical Psychologist and Professor in the Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine at UNC
- Ann Palmer, faculty member of the Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities
- Darragh Davis, Community Outreach Specialist for the Pediatric Outpatient Clinics at UNC
- Rya Williams, LEND Family Fellow and parent advocate
- Lisa Kaylie, Chapel Hill-Carrboro City School District’s Special Needs Advisory Committee and parent advocate
- Nicole Dennis, Community Navigator at The Arc of the Triangle
- Anne Torsiglieri, playwright & performer, “A” Train
- Risa Brainin, Director, “A” Train
Photos
Reviews
NEWS
Anne Torsiglieri’s “A” Train, at PlayMakers Repertory Company on April 25-29, Chronicles Her Own Wild Ride on the Autism Train
By Robert W. McDowell
Triangle Arts & Entertainment
April 24, 2018
