I just finished watching my DVR recording of Oprah’s special on Madeleine McCann who has been missing for two years now. She disappeared from a resort in Portugal during a family vacation. Madeleine turns 6 on May 12th. I’m not a parent, but no one should ever have to go through what Mr. & Mrs. McCann are going through. Ever! It broke my heart watching that one hour special. The McCann’s have to live with that weight every second of their life. I cannot imagine ever going through that.

It does makes me proud that UrbanTheater Company (UTC) was willing to produce a play about a child abduction titled “Broken Thread” by resident playwright Wysteria Edwards. Last night was the final performance in West Town (Chicago) of “Broken Thread” after an 8 week run. The play not only deals with a child abduction and the pain that parents endure, but it’s also about missing priorities. It’s still a work in progress and Edwards is working very hard on re-writes as we search for producers/venues that are willing to produce her play. This story needs to be told.

Whether you saw this play or not, or whether you enjoyed it or disliked it, this play touches on very important themes and exists to create an awareness for Missing & Exploited Children. As a theater company, this is our contribution. How can you help?

-Ivan Vega

Co-Founder & Co- Artistic Director