Freeing Teresa: A True Story About My Sister and Me

Activist James (Banned on the Hill) joins with her husband Billiam James (The Decapitation of Care) and sister Teresa Heartchild (Totally Amazing), a woman with Down syndrome, to tell the story of their fight for Teresa’s rights and freedom. When Franke learned of her other siblings’ plans to place Teresa in an end-of-life care nursing home, against Teresa’s expressed objections, Franke jumped in to help her sister. A bitter battle ensued, pitting all the siblings against each other and forcing them to interrogate their attitudes toward Down syndrome and disability more generally. An ensemble of 13 performers, led by Jackie Blackmore and supported by Lauren Potter, Dayleigh Nelson, and Bill Mackie, narrate, giving each character a distinct voice and personality. Blackmore’s heartfelt portrayal of Franke powerfully conveys her emotional depth and passion. Potter (who, like Teresa, has Down syndrome) fully embodies Teresa’s dynamic character, allowing listeners to connect with her determination and strong sense of self. Additional performers with Down syndrom, including Roshni Kashyap, round out the production and offer a thoughtful, genuine look into Teresa’s complicated journey.