Theater as a Tool for Healing and Education

Mira Cassidy, a survivor of domestic violence and religious trauma, is using through her stage play "Let Mia Tell It." The play will be performed at Fonseca Theater on August 8 and 9.

"I'm literally trying to take them on the walk of what this looks like and how important this is," Cassidy said.

Cassidy's play addresses the often overlooked issue of religious trauma, drawing from her own experiences growing up in a Jehovah's Witness family and facing challenges related to covert generational issues. Despite graduating with a degree in psychology, Cassidy found that adequate support for survivors of religious trauma was lacking.

"Let Mia Tell It" will be followed by a conversation intended to engage the community and encourage mental health professionals to cross-train into the religious trauma arena. Cassidy is advocating for the presence of drama therapists in Marion County to assist individuals affected by religious trauma syndrome, which she herself manages.

Cassidy's efforts through "Let Mia Tell It" seek to bring attention to the pervasive issue of religious trauma and inspire change within faith-based communities.