The Artist’s Space & Untamed Artists LA present a reading of Amy Herzog’s play Mary Jane to benefit the Service Center for Independent Life, a vital organization that provides disaster preparedness and critical resources to individuals with disabilities throughout Los Angeles and beyond. These funds will go towards SCIL’s Disability, Disaster Access & Resources program, which helps prepare seniors and people with disabilities for the next disaster we experience in the Los Angeles area.
As Mary Jane navigates both the mundane and the unfathomable realities of caring for Alex, her critically ill young son, she finds herself building a community of women from many walks of life. This reading will mark the first time the ensemble of women surrounding Mary Jane will be played by actresses with disabilities, offering a unique perspective on Mary Jane’s journey as both a caregiver and one who is cared for.
Starring Eileen Grubba, Geri Jewell, Lauren ‘Lolo’ Spencer, Lily D. Moore, and Terra Mackintosh as Mary Jane. The reading is directed by Danny Gordon.
Following the reading, there will be a conversation with the cast about disability inclusion and equity in the arts and beyond. The conversation will be moderated by David Zimmerman, creator and producer of the "MEET THE BIZ" workshops, which looks to make diversity a common place and bridges the gap between ability and disability. David was honored with the prestigious 2022 SAG AFTRA DISABILITY AWARENESS AWARD by the SAG AFTRA National People with Disabilities (PWD) Committee at the 2022 MEDIA ACCESS AWARDS.
Poster art by TALISMAN.
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Service Center for Independent Life (SCIL) works with persons with disabilities of all ages. Since 1980 SCIL’s sphere of influence encompasses 22 cities in South East Los Angeles County, and the East San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys. Services include but are not limited to: self-advocacy training, assistive technology, housing information, independent living skills training, peer counseling, benefits planning and information & referral services. All services are provided at no cost to SCIL consumers. No other resource offers the same array of services and cross disability expertise provided by SCIL. The goal of SCIL is simply to encourage and support people to make good choices and exercise control over their own lives and provide expanded access to information and resources to assist them in increasing their independence. SCIL will work with anyone who comes to us regardless of disability, race, gender, lifestyle, or religious persuasion. At present, 100% of our staff and 65% of our Board of Directors are people with disabilities, giving us a unique insight into what our consumers face each day permitting us to more effectively serve our consumers.