JOURNEYS, is a collection of six independent vignettes that illustrate fictional and non-fictional journeys that people have taken, or have dreamed of taking. The pieces have been written by several individuals served by Black Hills Works including: (JJ) James Janis, Christy Nielsen, Ordean Stevenson, and Abbigayle Wells. It will feature 24 performers from Black Hills Works and the Community. The production will continue our mission to give a voice to people with disabilities in our community as an annual construct for our fall show.

BOULDER: Written by (JJ) James Janis- “We can love the person, but we don’t have to love what they are doing to themselves or other family members.”

A glimpse into the real-life story of overcoming a volatile home life by pursuing new opportunities and education at an independent living center in Boulder, CO.

THE CAMERA: Written by Christy Nielsen- “You know, life can be kind of like negatives getting turned into positives, if you let it.”

A woman describes being free from special education classes, learning to create a shoe box camera, and develop photos in “mainstream” art classes.

THE INSTITUTION: Written by Ordean Stevenson- “I lived in Redfield for 27 years. I left in 1975 with on suitcase full of clothes”

A married couple makes a difficult decision just moments before taking their two year old child to a state institution for people with disabilities.

These are three of six independent vignettes from the original production of JOURNEYS that illustrate fictional and non-fictional journeys that people have taken, or have dreamed of taking.