The Mind’s Eye

Created with the guidance of both consumers and providers of mental health services, The Mind’s Eye brings voice to­ a subject of great silence in American society.

“Part One: Seduction” focuses on the intense power of depression and schizophrenic visions to separate an individual from social connection and into a vortex of illness. The act features the stories “Silent Snow, Secret Snow” by Conrad Aiken, read by John Hutton (King Lear at Denver Center Theatre Company); “Silver Water” by Amy Bloom, read by Kathleen Brady (the longest continuous actor at the Denver Center Theatre Company); and “The Bell Jar” by Sylvia Plath, read by Tony-nominated Jeanne Paulsen (All My Sons at the Denver Center).

“Part Two: Reclamation” focuses on the experience of healing, and celebrates the enormous courage and stamina that people summon to fight their way back into the world. It also acknowledges the critical part played by medication, therapy, and the support of loved ones. Stories include “Sights Unseen” by Kay Gibbons, read by Julia Pace Mitchell (National tour of Jitney), “Hello to All That” by John Falk, read by David Ivers (The Pillowman at the Denver Center Theatre Company); and “Darkness Visible” by William Styron, read by John Hutton.

Musical selections are woven throughout the show and feature singers Rene Marie (Voted “Best Jazz Vocalist” by the Association for Independent Music Critics) and Melissa James of The Slave Narratives.