LAFPI

WITH MY EYES SHUT – A WEST COAST PREMIERE
by Kira Rockwell, produced as part of the Hollywood Fringe Festival 2018

A love story, between two prodigies with Asperger’s Syndrome, that explores how we make connections

With My Eyes Shut is a love story that explores how we make connections, when typical forms of connection aren’t available. Two neuro-divergent young people meet in what appears to be clown college. Learning emotions through facial expressions and working towards the goal — interaction. Cole and Naomi both have Asperger’s Syndrome and relate to the world through their own expertise. Cole a musical savant and Naomi a dance prodigy who feels in color, grow closer as the perils of “performing” and the interjections of the Stage Hand weigh on them.

“Two of my younger brothers identify on the Autism Spectrum. This play began as a question, ‘Will my brother find love?’” said playwright Kira Rockwell. “The play then was me drafting up the perfect partner for him.”

Through instruments, Simon says, nerf guns, and dance, Cole and Naomi discover their truth and a connection they never thought possible. Director/Producer Tara Donovan says, “At its core, this is a love story. It’s two people overcoming the challenges of connecting to find their person. Living in a world with ever increasing difficulties for making real connections, everyone can relate to their struggle and be inspired by their endeavor.”

Naomi is played by Fringe and LA stage veteran, Esther Mira. Her recent credits include Clutch Production’s empowHER Series, Revolution in a Catsuit, Fifty Shades of Shrew, and Jimmy Kimmel Live. Craig Shields, makes his first return to the Hollywood Fringe since 2010, as Cole. A professional musician, Craig can be seen performing with his band Cuaño or accompanying dance at Cal State Fullerton. Olivia Schlueter-Corey rounds out the cast as Laura Hue, our over-worked Stage Hand. Olivia’s LA Credits includeThe Nina Variations, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Othello, and Macbeth (Shakespeare By The Sea), and The Winter’s Tale (Porters of Hellsgate).

Kira Rockwell is a playwright from Texas, currently based in Boston. Kira’s plays have been developed and or produced with Fresh Ink Theater, Boston Playwrights’ Theatre, Goat Song Theatre Collective, and Little Black Dress INK. Her work has been featured in the One Minute Play Festival-Boston (2017), the Out of the Loop Fringe Festival (2015, 2016), and Alaska’s Last Frontier Theatre Conference (2016). Kira is a proud member of The Dramatist Guild. BFA in Theatre Performance: Baylor University. MFA in Playwriting candidate: Boston University. Find out more at www.kirarockwell.com

With My Eyes Shut marks Tara Donovan’s Hollywood Fringe directorial debut. She produced and performed in the Hollywood Fringe with Broads’ Word Ensemble since 2014 and serves as the Producing Managing Director at Little Fish Theatre.

SHOWTIMES

Friday 6/1 @ 7:30pm

Saturday 6/9 @ 1:30pm

Thursday 6/14 @ 7:30pm

Sunday 6/17 @ 8pm

Thursday 6/21 @ 6pm

Hff18.org/5315

IG: @Laura_Hue789