The National Audio Theatre Festivals, Inc. received support from MHC for the production of an original audio play called The Irish Wilderness: A Sonic Exploration that will be produced as part of its annual Audio Theatre Workshop (ATW). This year the ATW week will be held from June 14 - 20, 2003, in West Plains, Missouri.

The Irish Wilderness: A Sonic Exploration was written and created for NATF by award-winning audio artist Dwight Frizzell of Kansas City, Missouri. The Irish Wilderness: A Sonic Exploration will look at the experiences of the Irish immigrants who came to Missouri for sanctuary and instead found persecution.

This project deals specifically with the areas surrounding the West Plains, Missouri community that make up the primary audience for the annual ATW's live performance. NATF's intent for this play is to help those living in Howell, Oregon and Ripley counties in Missouri learn more about their ancestors. NATF believes this will in turn not only lead to a better understanding of the state's history but also be an example of the need for religious and racial tolerance in today's society.

The Irish Wilderness: A Sonic Exploration will be included in the ATW live performance at 7:30 p.m., Friday, June 20, in the West Plains Civic Center. Tickets $5.00 for adults and $2.50 for students and seniors and can be purchased in advance or at the door the evening of the performance from the Civic Center box office.