Q&A With Bystander 9/11 Actress Emily Rathmell

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. There are less than 135 tickets for the performance.

Tickets are available now and are selling fast.

To purchase a ticket click here.

SOURCE is doing a Q&A with the cast members

***

Emily Rathmell

Rathmell is a science teacher at Framingham High and an actress in the play.

Lives in: Upton

Your acting experience: I did one acting class in high school.

Favorite actor/actress? Tom Hanks

What is your favorite play? Les Miserables

Where were you on Sept. 11? I was in high school, and believe it or not I didn’t hear anything about the morning’s events until almost 11 a.m.. We ended up being released early, and my soccer practice was cancelled. I remember sitting in my kitchen when I got home, glued to the tv for the next couple of hours, trying to take everything in.

Why did you want to be a part of this production? Every generation has this moment, this event that occurs where they vividly remember every minute of the day the event happened. September 11th, 2001 was that event for my generation. Many people lost their lives that day and many people became heroes. What better way to honor all of them than to be a part of this. 

How does this play speak to you? It brings me back to a time when everyone came together, no matter what their background, income level, race, etc was. 

What do you wish the audience takes away from this performance? I hope the audience recognizes that even in times of chaos and disaster, it is important to find a silver lining. And that our technology has drastically advanced! Remember flip phones?? 

What does hope mean to you? A quote I hear often is “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” I try to learn from the past and hope for the future because sometimes it is all we have.

The arts in Framingham are amazing, and I feel lucky to be a part of it!

When it comes to the arts, Framingham needs to continue to be diverse in its efforts. Let’s promote sustainability through the arts!