Christine Rodriguez Brings DREAMING IN AUTISM to Montréal Fringe, June 16-24

Fresh off the heels of her first production, The Arrangement, at Espace 4001 in October 2011, actor and writer Christine Rodriguez returns with a one-woman show at the Festival St-Ambroise Fringe Montréal, directed by Liz Truchanowicz. Poignant and written with love, Dreaming in Autism is the personal story of a mother's ongoing challenge to help her autistic son thrive and achieve a fulfilling life.

Rodriguez explains the inspiration behind the piece, "I wrote this play because I wanted people to know how hard it is to be the parent of a child with special needs; to be a parent period. It's an emotional roller coaster because as a parent you love your child so much- you want your child to succeed, to be happy. When you hit a road block like an autism diagnosis, it can be devastating."

Dreaming in Autism is directed by Liz Truchanowicz, who garnered rave reviews for her last show, Sarah Kane's 4.48 Psychosis, produced by Theatre In Actu. Truchanowicz was nominated for a 2009-2010 MECCA in the Best Director category for the show. 4.48 Psychosis was also named one of the 'Best of 2009' by The Gazette's Pat Donnelly. For Truchanowicz, the universality of the play is what interests her, "I was attracted to this play because it is a heart-warming tale to which anyone can relate - not just parents of children with special needs, but any new parent or anyone struggling with changes in their lives. It is a play about inner-strength and our never-ending ability to face life head-on, adapt, and find joy in the everyday. Christine's bravery and strength in sharing her story is unmatched and what results is a tale told straight from the gut."

Christine Rodriguez stars in this one-woman show that also features the voices of her son and her husband - Dreaming in Autism is truly a labour of love. Lighting is by Jody Burkholder who recently won a MECCA for his work on Tableau D'Hôte Theatre's Humans. Sound design is by Daniel Loyer. Set design by Logan K. Williams. Alycia O'Keefe is the stage manager.

La Tigressa is a Production Company dedicated to bringing to audiences diverse female characters that go against stereotype. The goal of the company is to add a dose of reality regarding who women of colour or mixed racial heritage are and to place a spotlight on the diversity of women that exists in Canadian society today. It's also about having more female voices heard.

Dreaming In Autism will be presented at Bain St-Michel (venue 7), 5300 rue St. Dominique (corner Maguire). Opening Sat. June 16th at midnight, Sun. June 17th at 7pm, Mon. June 18th at 9:45pm, Thurs. June 21 at 5:15pm, Sat. June 23 at 11:30pm, Closing Sun. June 24 at 8pm.

Tickets: $10 + $2 tax & service charge. To purchase: 514 849-FEST (3378), online at www.montrealfringe.ca, at the Central Box Office located at FRINGE Park (corner Rachel and St-Laurent) or at Bain St. Michel as of one hour before show time.

For more information about the company and past productions, click here.

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