The book Mind’s Eye was written in 1999 and since its publication, has received an American Library Association (ALA) award for Best Books for Young Adults. Kliatt magazine also called it “a paean to the power of the imagination.” Fleischman himself garnered several awards, becoming part of the five shortlisted authors for the 2012 Hans Christian Andersen Award, an annual literary recognition given to a living author and illustrator whose works have made a contribution to children’s literature. He was selected for “his ability to create characters and to integrate music in his work.” His skills in writing were honed throughout his life, as his father is an author and he grew up setting type for their hand printing press. After college, he worked as a bookstore clerk, library shelver, and proofreader. He also founded grammar watchdog groups ColonWatch and The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to English.
Cast members Joy Virata and Jenny Jamora with director Jaime del Mundo
Last August 14, the cast of Mind’s Eye invited a select group of media to discuss what viewers can expect for this year’s production. We were joined by Virata, Jenny Jamora (who plays Courtney), and renowned theater director Jaime del Mundo.
“This is really an incredible story about these two people who need each other,” said del Mundo. “In a way [Courtney] needs to unlock that window in the same way that Elva needs her to read to her; they need to take the trip together. But they also have their own personal reasons in taking the trips.”
Virata, del Mundo, and Jamora entertain questions from the media
