Invisible Boy is a play about surviving childhood sexual abuse. Using narrative and poetry, the play traverses across time and memory as Jason works to fuse together the broken pieces of his past to become a survivor instead of a victim. Written by Callen Harty, the play is autobiographical in nature, based on his own experiences growing up in southwestern Wisconsin. Harty, who has written and directed more than twenty full-length plays, said, “It was the most difficult thing I’ve ever written, but in the end it was worth it. It was healing for me and for some of the cast members and hopefully some of our audience as well.” He said he hopes the play brings a greater understanding to an issue that is not often discussed, particularly in theatrical form.
The first production was at Broom Street Theater in Madison, Wisconsin. The play ran from September 24-October 31, 2010. The project was supported by the Dane County Cultural Affairs Commission, which provided a $1,000 grant for the work. In addition, Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault (WCASA), the Rape Crisis Center, and individuals from Men Stopping Rape provided trained counselors and resources at the performances, as well as assisted with talkbacks after the Sunday performances.
