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Show Description
A heartfelt one-woman show. Through personal storytelling, raw honesty, and physical comedy, a young woman named Free explores the complexities of growing up queer in the conservative landscape of Kansas. As she rediscovers a box of memories, she shares her experiences with reproductive rights, reflects on who she believes she must be to be loved, and examines the choices we make to find our true selves and the people we may lose along the way. Laughter becomes a lifeline, leading to a renewed understanding of what it means to carve out one’s own path in the world.
Cast and Crew
Director: Steve Hitchcock
Sound Designer: Ryan Marrow
Created and performed by Madi White
Artist & Show Details:
Madi is making her debut at KC Fringe. Her solo show, “The Free State,” recently received critical acclaim for both her exceptional performance and insightful writing at the Atlanta Fringe Festival. Don’t miss this captivating performance!
“Heartbreaking must-see masterpiece that left my entire row weeping.” – Benji Carr, ArtsATL
“Dazzlingly endearing performer, with little dashes of clowning, puppetry, and Americana folk music mixed in.” – Jeffery Zwartjes, Wildly Beloved
“Very funny. Very charismatic. Very talented performer.” – Eli Banks, Ridiculous Romance Cohost
“I had my heart pulled out of my chest by The Free State.” – Mykal Alder June, Last One Out
Candace Young –
Amazing. See this. Have your daughters see this. So much talent and such a story
Josie Nixon –
Madi is a brilliant storyteller with the ability to leave a whole audience in love and in tears. I am so happy to walk away so with a better perspective on how to be sad.
Camille –
To experience Madi’s performance is to feel emotion in your bones, equal parts joy, laughter, and heart-wrenching. This piece has it all, wrapped up in a pair of overalls and a sunflower.
Julie Holmes (verified owner) –
Madi White displays her exceptional talent at storytelling, physical theater, comedic timing, and heartfelt drama with incredible performance. A MUST SEE!!
Deni Cunningham –
Madi White’s one-woman show, “The Free State,” gentle, funny, and heartfelt. Bonus: Madi has a lovely singing voice.
The character of Free is a larger-than-life Kansan stereotype, and White satirizes and subverts expectations while speaking hard truths. The show doesn’t shy away from difficult topics, and develops in unpredictable ways. The props are well chosen and well used, and the sound quality and lighting feels less like background and more like collaboration – they’re well thought out.
Whether you’re drawn to queer narratives, passionate about reproductive justice, or simply appreciate bold, original performances, “The Free State” offers a compelling, moving experience.
Jason DeGraff –
I was captivated from start to finish. Evocative and moving. Two thumbs up, go see it!
Nikki Taymor –
This piece delivers so much more than you ever knew you hoped for. This has been the highlight of my first weekend at Fringe.
Warren Deckert (verified owner) –
Easily one of the best shows in this year’s Fringe. Don’t miss it.
Ryan S –
An amazing performance by an amazing performer. Be prepared to laugh and cry (and sometimes both at the same time). Don’t miss this show!
Quinn Hall (verified owner) –
Oh how I wish I could’ve seen this as a teenager. Funny, moving and very Midwest, which is the best. Watching Free’s story unfold in the hands of gifted performer Madi White is a delight to witness. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house by the end, so bring tissues!
Jen Raines –
This show absolutely wrecked me in the best ways. I was laughing with the wholesome “oh-so-similar-to-my-own” upbringing. Then went on a journey through a life I felt I lived along with her. Her storytelling is stellar and she grabs your heart and doesn’t let go. I had the best cry I’ve had in a long time and I wasn’t the only one. Go see this beautiful show.
Tessa Seybert (verified owner) –
Madi crafts this story and character with an effortlessly meticulous hand. Each beat is so intentional and thoughtful, while never losing this feeling of buoyancy and (no pun intended) freedom. I cried, I laughed, I felt seen. I want everyone in my life to see this show!
Caitlyn Barbara Fox (verified owner) –
Not only is Madi White a captivating performer but her honest and bittersweet writing perfectly encapsulate so many universal and complicated feelings in a way that feels both fresh and personal. A must see for any fringe go-er!
Anna R. (verified owner) –
A relatable, humorous, and heartwrenching tale told by an out-of-this world storyteller! She will bring you in with laughter, then bring you to tears, and bring you back again.
Jesse Bradley-Amore –
I got to see this show at Atlanta Fringe and it’s one of the most moving pieces of solo theater I’ve seen. Go see this show.
Tim Mooney –
Madi White is charming, and I think most of the audience fell a little bit in love with her in the first 20 minutes. That joyful free spirit is going to go through some challenges before it’s all over, and the crush we have on her early on is going to lead to some tears by the time all is over and done. But sometimes, it just feels really good to feel something.
Mary Schulte –
Wow! Stunning performance that had me laughing and crying and aching in my heart for this exquisite storyteller and her incredible story. Go see it and take all your friends!
Dustin Reckling –
Because everyone else has said what I want to say, I will be brief: go see this.
Danielle Anderson –
Madi is a captivating and charismatic performer who allowed us to laugh through the character’s (and our own) challenging life discoveries. What starts fun, light and laughable becomes very somber and serious towards the end of the play. The feelings and emotional tension were thick in the air. Well written and performed!
Gabi Johnson (verified owner) –
Wow! This show is a mastery of tension & release. Madi takes you by the hand and guides you through a journey and not once does she ever let you feel misled. “The Free State” demonstrates true catharsis! Left sobbing with a smile on my face.
Christine tasheff (verified owner) –
Madi is wise beyond her years and has the energy and enthusiasm of a curious child. She pulled on my heart strings with memories of wondering where I belonged when I was growing up. She is a remarkable actress, storyteller, writer, singer and more.. What an evening!
Mia Krebs –
incredible incredible incredible. This beautiful and heartfelt work should be seen by every woman, every kansan, every midwesterner, and every person with a heart (so everyone). Madi delivers Free’s perspective with grace, tasteful humor, and with deep sincerity. I am so proud and grateful to exist within the same cosmos as this incredible creative and her work.
Bridget Tyree –
Best thing I’ve ever seen, bawled my eyes out
Kate Tyree –
Madi left me in tears with the most gut wrenchingly beautiful and bittersweet story of Free. Words cannot describe the craftsmanship that went into the making of this awe-inspiring performance. All I know to say is thank you Madi White for your courage and talent.
Kinsey (verified owner) –
This is the kind of show that sticks with you long after the lights go up. Madi is an incredible writer, performer, and storyteller who has crafted something so beautiful and important.