A SOUTHERN FAIRYTALE by Ty Autry on U-Tube

"A Southern Fairytale" is a one man, one hour play written & acted by Ty Autry.   Autry's production was broadcast live last night from his apartment and available on U-Tube.  It's a glimmering gem and a harbinger of a gifted playwright on the horizon.  Alex, takes us on a sojourn into his upbringing in a tiny, rural home in GA.  Alex draws us into an intimate conversation that is endearing but not always peachy.  Alex confides his attachment into fairytales (Anderson's & Disney's characters alike).  He identifies most with Ariel and Belle.  Ariel who was willing to forego her voice to live in someone's else's world and Belle who found solace from books, felt herself an outsider and yearned for more than her provincial life.   Growing up gay in a Confederate waving, God fearing, homophobic town was the world Alex strived to rise above like the heroines from fairytales he admires.  Alex regales us with his real life fable having to contend with constant derision, conversion therapy, ostracism from his community, church and his own family.  Alex is locked inside a dungeon of suppressed freedom to be his own true self.   Sitting barefoot and comfy on his sofa, Alex shares his inner turmoil without self-pity or pedagogical pandering.  We feel empathetic for Alex's inner torment and incredulous demonizing from family & church. Alex knew his desire to feel accepted & normal while staying true to himself would be a long haul struggle to finding inner peace.  Our likable & relatable hero persevered. As in fairytales, this too has a happy ending.  Alex, though still "feeling "broken" at 28 has found happiness and pride.  "I'm doing more, being more than anyone thought I could."  Alex doesn't know what the future holds but he's no longer a prisoner of having to pretend to be other than who he is.  I foresee a fortuitous future for this burgeoning playwright and engaging actor.  During this incredible time of hardship, let's all practice kindness and support each other.  I encourage you to go to U-tube to watch this bedazzling production.