Q&A With Bystander 9/11 Actress Stephanie Henry

FRAMINGHAM – On September 11, 2021, Framingham Public Schools and atac (Amazing Things Theatre) will present Bystander 9/11, a powerful play on the 20th anniversary of the attacks on September 11.

Directed by Donna Wresinski, the play features several Framingham Public School employees, Framingham High alumni, and a couple of local politicians.

The performance is scheduled for one-night only in the intimate downtown theatre for September 11 at 8 p.m.

Tickets are available now and are selling fast. To purchase a ticket click here.

SOURCE is doing a Q&A with the cast members

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Stephanie Henry

Henry is a theatre arts teacher at Framingham High School and is the moderator for the play.

Lives in: Boxborough

Acting Experience: BFA in Acting NYU, performed in many plays directed by Donna Wresinski (and others) 

Favorite Actor/Actress: Anyone who gives an authentic performance no matter what the genre. 

Favorite Play: Our Town by Thornton Wilder (hands down, always and forever)

Where was I on Sept 11: Driving on Rt 2 trying desperately to call my husband who had flown to California the day before

Why did I want to be part of this: After 18 months of no contact and no theatre I was excited to perform. In addition working with Donna on something to commemorate the 20th anniversary of September 11th seemed like the only way I knew how to a part of the important conversation about how we support each other without judgement, love without a trace of melancholy, and heal without ever forgetting. 

How does this play speak to me: I attended NYU and lived in NY for several years after graduation. New York is where I learned who I am, where I fell in love and made some of my now oldest friends. My heart belongs to New York. What I wish the audience takes away: The arts and artistic expression help us understand, metabolize and connect with the world around us. We need the arts to help us make sense of the heartbreaking, beautiful, painful and glorious world around us. The arts humanize experience and allow us space to truly open to each other. 

What does Hope mean to me: I wish I had words for this question, instead I’ll just give credit to Stephen King, “Hope is good, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies.” Seems appropriate to me. 

The arts in Framingham are IMPORTANT, VIBRANT, and ESSENTIAL.

When it comes to the arts, Framingham needs more access, more support and more opportunities for as many voices to be heard.