Fragile X FAQ

Q:  Is Fragile X Syndrome a real thing or an invention for the play?

A:  Fragile X Syndrome is a very real thing.  Fragile X is the most common inherited cause of mental impairment. It is also the most common known cause of autism.For more information visit http://www.fraxa.org/ 

Q:  Do you have a family member with Fragile X Syndrome?

A:  I do not have a family member with Fragile X Syndrome.  I was unfamiliar with Fragile X until I performed research in preparation for writing the play. 

Q:  What inspired you to write a play about Fragile X?

A:  One very dramatic scene in the play just literally popped into my head.  I was intrigued as to who these people in my head were and what were they doing.  While researching what could be the cause of the possible mental impairment I discovered Fragile X.  

Q:  Do you know anyone with Fragile X Syndrome?

A:  I had never met anyone with Fragile X Syndrome when I wrote the first draft of the play.  During the time we started rehearsing the play for the NVTA one-act festival I began corresponding with Kathy May and Mary Beth Busby, two local woman who are each the mother of a son with Fragile X Syndrome.  I recently met Mary Beth's son, Jack, at a Special Olympics softball game. 

Q:  Are the characteristics of Fragile X portrayed in the play accurate?

A:  Individuals with Fragile X syndrome have varying degrees of mental impairment, characteristic physical traits, and degrees of autistic behaviors.  When they read a copy of the play both Kathy May and Mary Beth Busby commented that the portrayal was so true that they wondered if I had a child with Fragile X syndrome. 

Q:  Why did you choose to direct the play for the NVTA one-act festival?

A:  The main reason I chose to direct the play was to ensure that my "dream cast" would perform the show.  I am so pleased that Mary-Anne, Patty, Greg and Erin all agreed to do the show.  They are talented and wonderful.