Uncommon Sense

Sunday, January 22, 2017 - 2:00 pm

People on the Autism spectrum are our brothers, fathers, sisters and mothers.  Integrated into our schools, workplaces, churches and families they confront us with a new and broader understanding of what is “normal” or typical.  For the first time the Gallagher Bluedorn has commissioned and is premiering an original play created by the Tectonic Theater Project, Uncommon Sense, a project rooted in Iowa stories about Iowa families and communities affected by life on the spectrum.  This three-year collaboration began with interviews of Iowans and captures our stories and the people of Iowa in the narrative of the play.  Uncommon Sense introduces us to special members of our Iowa family and does so with a sense of humor, love and understanding.

Theatre is a bridge builder, a powerful tool in the creation of empathy and a support for our understanding of the lives and truths of others.  Come and join us on this journey of inclusion and community.  Help us create a place of acceptance and understanding. 

What’s a commission?

A commissioning is a coming together of organizations and artists for shared work.  In its simplest form, it is a financial investment with the express purpose of creating new art – in this case a new play that explores the nature and breadth of being human.  This commissioning was born from an earlier collaboration with Tectonic on a residency and presentation of their award-winning play “The Laramie Project.” Because of Gallagher Bluedorn’s investment, the Tectonic Theater Project will tour the nation next year building community and understanding.  One of the things that excites us the most about this work and this tour is that it will be channeling Iowa stories, and Iowa voices, as well as voices from around the world through the work.

Support for Uncommon Sense provided by the Iowa Arts Council, a division of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

The project is supported, in part, by the Iowa Arts Council, a division of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Location: 
Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center
Contact Information
Name: 
Blake Argotsinger
Phone: 
(319) 273-3660
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