How do we find a sense of home and belonging when we are stuck in the in- between? When we are neither coming nor going and don’t know how long we’ll be somewhere, how do we remain present and find contentment living in ambiguity? We are all searching for answers as to why we remain in the liminal, particularly artists, and especially youth in the foster care system. There are over 391,000 youth in foster care in the United States, currently experiencing this involuntary system that continually perpetuates. 

 

My dramaturgical approach for this development process began with research and working hands on with youth at Chicago’s LYDIA Home to explore themes of identity, representation, and how we show care. Based on this research, I brought together a team of adult theater makers to devise content further exploring these themes. Throughout the entire process, youth at Lydia Home were consulted weekly, co-creating characters and scenes. The youth provided input for all technical elements of this piece, including lights, sound, props, set, and costumes! As the script began to shape, youth from Lydia Home met with the actors to play and provide feedback, specifically on the movement sections of this immersive piece.

 

Alex in Windyland takes you through a journey of displacement, instability, security, comfort, and belonging. No matter how many workers, or what happens to youth beyond their time in the care system, the fact remains that the system is in need of fixing and in constant motion. The cycle is continuing and it’s a problem that needs to be worked towards constantly, consistently, and currently. When we enter the liminal space, the world keeps on spinning, time marches on, and everything around us keeps going. We take with us our resiliency, perseverance, and community amongst one another. 

 

The ultimate goal of the foster care system is reunification. In a generation of cancel culture, we often don’t talk about reconciliation enough. Placement in a facility such as Lydia Home is not intended to become a permanent solution, but rather a supportive, loving, encouraging community to help stabilize youth with behavioral or mental health challenges. Relational permanency is fundamental to the well-being of children and youth in foster care. Stable, nurturing placements have positive impacts on children and youth’s resilience and long term well-being. 

 

The goal of this project is to provide a consistent theater arts opportunity for youth in foster care, create a story of representation, and spread awareness to the public of the needs of those impacted by the foster care system. There are several ways everyday citizens of the world can be involved and engage in supporting this convoluted system that is affecting our city. There is a large need for people to become certified foster families, mentors, volunteers, or support these youth in other ways.  Being actively involved and advocating for youth in this system is a proactive way we can work towards making change locally. 

 

When youth turn 18, they have legally “aged out” of the foster care system, and are often left on their own, without proper resources or support to make a life for themselves. They are forced to get off the train, no matter where they are, with or without a forever home. Like the youth in this story, youth in the foster care system are all hoping for a forever home. It’s an urgent matter that needs to be talked about and it all begins with advocating for these youth telling their story. What is your role on the train and how can you help fill the tank?

 

Want to learn more about foster care and how you can get involved in taking a step towards solutions? Check out our community organizations in the lobby.