New multimedia theater performance explores the experiences of a teen with autism

From the Providence American in R.I.:

Aaron Jungels of Everett Dance Theatre will premiere his new multimedia theater piece Silas the Teenager, inspired by his 16-year-old nephew Silas, who has autism. Jungels utilizes vivid imagery and evocative physicality in his depiction of the pleasures and challenges of interacting with Silas.

By interweaving video projection, dialogue, choreography, and the use of kinetic-sculptural stage props, Jungels reflects upon the way Silas perceives the world. Excerpts from interviews include the perspectives and anecdotes of Silas's parents and siblings. A live score composed by Alec K. Redfearn will accompany the performances.

"Ever since Silas was very young, he and I have had a special relationship - I think because I always enjoyed engaging with him around his interests," said Jungels, who frequently sees his nephew, a Connecticut resident. "With his unique ways of perceiving the world, Silas can be funny, fascinating and, frankly, like many teens, incredibly frustrating."

Jungels' earlier short theater piece from 2003, Silas, about his nephew as a 10-year-old, will be performed before the new work. Its themes of building bridges and reducing barriers to communication resonated with audiences.

"It's exciting to explore and try to imagine Silas' world," said Jungels. "It's an ongoing journey of understanding and acceptance that I think anyone can relate to."

For Silas the Teenager, Jungels has conducted extensive research into the latest studies on the workings of the autistic mind. New theories about how people with autism perceive and process information about the world around them have guided the development of his work. Insights provided by people with autism, who report "from the inside" about their conditions, have also been influential.

Jungels received funding from Creative Capital's Multi-Arts Production Fund, the National Endowment for the Arts and the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts to produce Silas the Teenager.

All performances will be at The Carriage House Stage, 9 Duncan Avenue, Providence. Tickets are $20; Everett Dance Theatre accepts cash/credit card/personal checks. Public performances: Friday through Sunday, April 17 - 19 and April 24 - 26; Friday and Saturday performances at 8 p.m.; Sunday performances at 3 p.m. Following the Sunday matinees, a panel discussion with artists, parents of children with autism, and caregivers for people with autism will be held.

About Everett Dance Theater: Everett Dance Theatre, of which Jungels is co-artistic director, is nationally recognized and has received rave reviews in The New York Times and been featured in The New Yorker. Founded in 1986, the company has toured its award- winning work to many of the most prestigious stages across the country.

In January 2009, the Everett Dance Theatre was named a Champion in Action by Citizens Bank and NBC 10. Other recognition includes the Tom Roberts Award for Creative Achievement in the Humanities (the Rhode Island Council for the Humanities, 2005), the Foundation for Contemporary Performance Arts Award (the Foundation for Contemporary Performance Arts, 2000), Visionary Award (Meeting Street Center, 1997), Excellence in the Arts (Rhode Island Pell Award, 1997), a Bessie (New York's Dance Choreography and Creator Award, 1996), and the Jabez Gorham Award for Unwavering Commitment to Excellence (Business Volunteers for the Arts 1992).