“To anyone who’s moved away from a small town, for anyone who has lost someone, for anyone who has been surprised by a secret that everyone else knew but you: I have a story for you.”

Responder: Writer- Grace Aki
Name of Show: To Free a Mockingbird

1. Why should anybody see your show?
To anyone who’s moved away from a small town, for anyone who has lost someone, for anyone who has been surprised by a secret that everyone else knew but you: I have a story for you. Hi, I’m Grace, a 4’10.5 Japanese-American southerner who at 22 discovered that I had bipolar 2 disorder, that I was sexually abused, and that my father was an alcoholic – all while dealing with his and my grandmother’s estate after their deaths. This is my story, and their story, and maybe yours as well. To Free a Mockingbird explores my father’s death through his funeral intercut with my mother’s immigration story to the United States. TFAM is a raw mix of honest dialogue and stand up, all under an hour. Coming to Atlanta, growing up in Stone Mountain, I’m telling y’all – you’re not gonna wanna miss this.

2. Why Atlanta?
I happen to be born and bred in the Carpet capital of the world, Dalton Ga. Now that I live in New York city, I’m excited to share my story where I feel more at home.

3. What inspired you to create this?
After seeing, Fun Home the musical, I found telling my story completely cathartic. I also hope it brings peace to anyone who has ever dealt with loss.

4. What’s your process for creating and rehearsing something like this?
Doing it over, and over, and over again in front of friends, peers, my cat.

(Pictured: Renowned dramaturg Mrs. Boopers)

5. What have you learned from working on your show so far?
I’ve learned that there is no “one way” to tell a story. Every audience is different, it can be ever-evolving, just enjoy the process!

6. Tyler Perry, Jane Fonda, Killer Mike and Donald Glover roll up at your show. There is one ticket left. Who gets it?
I would bow at the feet of Jane Fonda, and say “welcome back to Atlanta, here pull up a chair and a glass of red wine… you’re about to see my solo show”.

7. Atlanta’s foodie scene is really on point these days. What does your show taste like? (Bonus points if you can name-check an ATL restaurant.)
I’m always a huge Zesto’s fan but I will be DAMNED if I don’t get the famous fried goat cheese balls at Ecco… or a Flying biscuit. Honestly my mouth is watering at the idea of getting to eat good food again.

8. Fringes are the place to really push the boundaries so we gotta ask: would you want your parents in the front row or would you tell them, “Maybe skip this one, guys…”?
Absolutely, you can’t share your art/stories with everyone, why tell it?

9. Will your show save mankind?
It may save some little girl’s from feeling alone after experiencing divorce and loss.

10. Oh boy! After your first show a genie pops out of a bottle and offers you a choice – world peace or your show enjoying a ten-year run on Broadway. What shall it be?
World Peace- I’d be tired after 2 years on Broadway. Can I have the Cherry-Lane Theatre or is that too much?

(A cozier space – and better walk to the subway, frankly.)

11. Describe your show in three words.
Nostalgic. Funny. Healing.