“Backstage in Biscuit Land” is a funny, poignant performance about Tourette’s Syndrome and living life with wit and humor despite the compulsion to say “biscuit” 16,000 times a day. Innovative theater group Touretteshero celebrates the humor and creativity that can be a welcome side-effect of Tourette’s Syndrome.

Touretteshero co-founder Jess Thom has Tourette’s, which she uses as an artistic background to weave comedy, puppetry, singing, and the occasional Tourette’s tic (such as “biscuit”) into a captivating portrayal of how one woman copes with unusual neurology and her unique perspective on life.

And on June 4, at 2:00 p.m., enjoy a free presentation in the Southside Theater by Touretteshero artistic director Jessica Thom, and an interview of Thom by Cultural Odyssey’s co-artistic director Rhodessa Jones. As a person living with Tourettes syndrome, and as an artist whose work addresses the subject, Jess Thom has found that humor can be a powerful but subtle tool in overcoming prejudice and changing mainstream society’s perspective on, and acceptance of, people with disabilities — and learning to overcome their fear of “the other.”

These performances by Touretteshero are hosted by Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture (FMCAC) as part of the San Francisco International Arts Festival, which runs from May 19 – June 5 exclusively at FMCAC. The Festival features more than 100 performances by 50 different ensembles, as well as an expansive arts exhibition celebrating 100 years of the Dada Movement. Get discounts on tickets to see multiple shows at the Festival by buying a Festival pass. More details HERE.