A Grand Rapids, Michigan, theater recently staged an innovative play about ADHD.

"Distracted," which premiered off-Broadway in 2009, is told from the perspective of the mother of an ADHD child -- and the staging was designed to draw the audience into the "distractions" that often accompany life with ADHD:

“Part of the play is to immerse the audience in the experience of feeling distracted, so we’ll have lots of media popping up on the screen,” [director Fred] Sebulske said. “But you have to find a balance between getting the audience’s attention and distracting them at the same time.”

Written by Lisa Loomer and presented off-Broadway in 2009, “Distracted” is the story of a family whose 9-year-old son is acting out, refuses to go to bed at night and is disruptive at school.

“Every parent deals with this to some extent, but this is to the point where they think there may be a real problem,” Sebulske said.

The parents are inundated with solutions from teachers, therapists and friends ranging from pills to diet, biofeedback and homeopathic treatments.

“It’s told from the point of view of the mother,” Sebulske said. “She knows the audience is there and uses them as a sounding board. She always has someone to talk to.” (Source: MILive.com)

Sebulske told the Grand Rapids Press that he invited a counselor and a therapist who work wiht many ADHD individuals to attend rehearsals, answer questions from cast members, and ensure that the presentation was not demeaning to those with ADHD and their families.

Labels: awareness, families, mothers

Posted By: 4ADHD.com