SAN ANGELO, Texas — Sensitive topics related to mental health may not be part of everyday discussions, but one San Angelo organization is hoping to change that.
From September 14-17, Be Theater presents a free live performance of Isabel & the Runaway Train, which tells the story of a teenage girl who experiences sexual abuse and mental illness.
“So Isabel & the Runaway Train is a musical and the best way to describe it is, it’s a comedy until it’s not,” said Be Theater Artistic Director Sidney Timmer. “It sounds kind of funny, but basically it follows Isabel, a 16-year-old girl who runs away from home and ends up on this magical, slightly surreal train that doesn’t stop. And so, while she tries to figure out who these interesting characters are there and what’s going on, she discovers the secrets of her past…”
Credit: Kurt Hoffmaster
The play was originally created by Austin playwright Anna Westbrook and is the first time the show will be performed with an external license.
Participants under the age of 12 are not permitted due to the nature of the content. According to Timmer, “It also deals with sexual abuse and PTSD. Although it is a sensitive subject, there is no nudity, there is no stage violence, there is no There is no harsh graphic language and is therefore safe for ages 13 and up. This show is aimed specifically at young adults and teens, as the goal is to open the discussion about sexual abuse and to be able to support someone when they reveal something to you.
Statistically, around one in six women and one in nine men will report some form of sexual violence in their lifetime.
With this in mind, Timmer wanted to present a show on stage that highlights a subject often forgotten by young audiences.
After Saturday’s performance, there will be a discussion with counselors, mental health professionals and Westbrook herself.
Organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) San Angelo, Open Arms Rape Crisis Center, ESB Region 15, and the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault will also be on hand to provide available resources.
Additionally, a mental health counselor will be present at each show for those who may need to talk.
“To me, theater has always been an opportunity to shine a light on different stories and perspectives, you could learn things you never knew,” Timmer said. “Basically, you put yourself in someone else’s shoes, you see them from their point of view and you follow them intimately, which really has a chance of changing people’s perspective on things. So I really think it was a no-brainer for us to start highlighting the issues. It’s really hard to talk about.”
This performance is part of the Between the Lines project and the theater hopes to present a new show on stage next year.
Go to theater tickets to reserve places in advance or to find out more.
