Many people ask this question daily; with my usual answer is "who knows?"
My favorite answer comes from the musical NOR•MAL, "A city in Illinois." Ah, if everything could be so easy.
NOR•MAL is the gut wrenching story of a family's struggle to cope with their daughter's eating disorder. Told through the beauty of song, it is at times humorous, poetic and heartbreaking. For anyone who wishes to understand eating disorders, has had an eating disorder or wants to open a dialogue about eating disorders, NOR•MAL is a must see. Based on a true story, NOR•MAL has an authenticity that only real life experience with an eating disorder can bring.
Under the helm of Robyn Hussa and Eric Christiansen, the NOR•MAL vision expanded into Normal in Schools (NIS). Greendale High School students in Wisconsin proved that theatre could be used to educate and prevent eating disorders. At each showing of NOR•MAL, there is an eating disorders specialist present for an audience "talkback" session and questions can be answered. Myths about eating disorders come to light and people have sought treatment after seeing NOR•MAL.
Listen to excerpts of songs here.
To license the play in your community, contact Robyn Hussa at rhussa@normalinschools.org. Keep an eye for shows near you!
Recently, NIS held an inaugural event called INSIDE OUT -- Celebrating Inner Beauty Through Theatre, Music and Art at Milwaukee's Turner Hall Ballroom, which was hosted by Kirsten Haglund, Miss America 2008 and President of the Kirsten Haglund Foundation for Eating Disorders. The evening featured a silent auction and art gallery with some pieces donated by members of the community whose lives had been personally touched by eating disorders.
Upcoming NIS events include:
1. Ongoing Tour of NOR•MAL into schools, universities, conferences and communities to educate audiences. Always present are mental health professionals specializing in the treatment of eating disorders and people in recovery.
2. SELF ESTEEM STOMP – in October 2010, NIS is launching one of its most exciting programs to date: a family wellness “fair” and interactive “playground.” On Saturday, October 15, 2010, families will meet to do a short “walk” together. At the finish line, we will have an interactive fair of experiential therapy booths so families can learn about mental health, treatment and wellness in a fun, non-stigmatized environment. Fun for the entire family!
3. INSIDE OUT Gala – an elegant, exclusive event at Turner Hall Ballroom each year to Celebrate Inner Beauty Through Theatre Music and Art. Participants walk through an art gallery – with work created by patients in recovery for eating disorders and other mental health illnesses, they experience live theatre and music and end the night dancing to swing music. Next event: February 26, 2011.
4. Team NOR•MAL is an ongoing program where we educate athletes about the issues of eating disorders and body image among runners and athletes. We also have athletes who run on TEAM NORMAL to fundraise for our organization. Our next TEAM NORMAL event is August 1, 2010 in Chicago, IL for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicago Half Marathon.
5. NIS is currently working to create the online version of our award-winning program and curriculum. Students will be able to log in to an internet portal to access the program. Stay tuned!
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NOR•MAL is an original musical with book by Yvonne Adrian, lyrics by Cheryl Stern, music by Tom Kochan and developed with Jack Cummings III. Scott Rink served as choreographer and Associate Director and John DiPinto served as Musical Director and was adapted for Normal in Schools by Robyn Hussa and Eric Christiansen.
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