Michael Fosberg - "Incognito"

A one-man interactive comedy/drama about race, stereotypes, and identity.

Fast Facts

Location: Chicago, IL

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Bio

Imagine discovering you are not the person who you thought you were. That you have a family, a history, an ethnicity you never knew. How would this discovery impact your life, the lives of those around you; your vision of yourself and society?

Michael Sidney Fosberg's, Incognito, takes his audience's on such a journey. In a one-hour solo-theatrical presentation, Michael relates his story of growing up believing he was white, then discovering in his thirties that he is actually black. In his hilarious and deeply emotional one-man play, he guides his audience on a discovery of self; filled with issues of race, diversity, family history, divorce, adoption, and finding a father. The presentation unfolds as a mystery allowing the audience to make their own discoveries about themselves, and perceptions of identity, race and stereotypes.

It has been hailed by educators and critics alike, as an extremely effective tool, helping students open the door on discussions of race and inclusion. Incognito does not require a traditional theatre space for presentation (although it is preferred. The show can be presented on a bare stage, in a room,, or a meeting hall with a minimal set and props. Post-show workshops on the topics of race, stereotyping, diversity, self-identity, and family history are also available.

Workshops

Workshops can be tailor made for each school/organization across a variety of disciplines and approaches. Sessions can range from the myriad of social issues; race, stereotyping, family history, etc., to a variety of theater disciplines; writing, acting, and directing. Classes/sessions can range from 30 to 90 minutes, to a full day of workshops, to a weeks residency. It is generally best to conduct workshops after having presented the play. Sessions can then be linked directly to the content of the show and can provoke more spirited discussion and participation.

Social Workshops:

Stereotyping – A lively interactive session exploring how we use “stereotypes” – both ‘good’ & ‘bad’ - to define people.

Definitions of Race – A challenging discussion pitting appearance, heritage, and cultural backgrounds as a basis for racial definitions.

Profiling – See how easy it is to get caught pigeon-holing!

Family History – A chance to explore where our families came from, how they got here, and where they’ve settled.

Multiculturalism – An exploration of the ‘new’ American family.

AND MORE……

Theatre Arts Workshops:

Acting – An introduction and exploration of truth and self.

Writing – A fast paced journey across the page, with emphasis on self-exploration.

Solo-performance – The beginners guide to one-person shows.

Improvisation in performance – An exploration of text thru improv

AND MORE……

Michael is a writer, actor, director, and teacher based out of Chicago. He has worked in some of the most respected theaters’ across the country such as The Goodman, Steppenwolf, South Coast Repertory, and The Kansas City Repertory Theatre, and has toured his show nationally to high schools, colleges, theaters, and performing arts centers. During the summer he can be found on the Northwestern University campus teaching and directing as part of the National High School Institute’s Theater Arts Program.

“It’s an engrossing and deeply moving trip, for both the audience and the performer…if you listen carefully, it will shake you to your own roots.”
-Chicago Tribune

“Michael Sidney Fosberg’s “Incognito” is among the most unique examples of a one-man show that theatergoers are likely to encounter”
-Kansas City Star

“Fosberg has clearly thought a lot about American life and his piece is full of insights about how we construct our personal identities and how, in an instant, one’s sense of self can be altered forever. The fact that it is also, at times, hilarious, is just gravy.”
-Daily Herald

“Fosberg takes us on a fascinating journey of self-discovery…a profoundly American story…an engrossing one-man show.”
-Chicago Sun-Times

“His journey becomes our journey…”
-Chicago Reader

“…the story grabs hold and won’t let go.”
-Pioneer Press

“A MUST SEE!”
-Windy City Times

“The show was wonderful.”
-Student, Wesleyan University

“Incognito is amazing and it deserves to be shared with everyone who can possibly see it!”
-Student, Vassar College

“At the risk of sounding false, I will say that “Incognito” changed me.”
-Student, Northwestern University

“It’s people like you who are an inspiration to all folks of color.”
-Student, Wayne St. University

"What more could a teacher want?!"
-Professor, Monmouth College, IL

"The show was wonderful and the audience really seemed moved by it."
-Office of the Dean of Student Affairs, Carnegie Mellon University

Notable Achievements:

Incognito will be published as a memoir in the fall of 2008 by Chicago Review Press

A documentary film about Michael’s life & play is currently being filmed by a Chicago production company, NUMBER 8

Michael has worked with, William Peterson & Gary Sinise of CSI fame, John Mahoney of FRAISER, Tony Award winning director Robert Falls, John Malkovich, Stephen Lang, and Tom Waits.