I've been obsessed by my cousin Stephen's death since he was shot and killed in his South of Market apartment in San Francisco in May.

For many artists, the ability to see what others don't -- or can't see -- is what adds an element of humanity or depth to their work. For most people, 2 + 2 may equal 4. But for an artist, the result may be 4 plus a pink rhinoceros. Or a cupcake with day-glo icing.

Many claim that theater holds a mirror up to society. But all too often, when society gets a look at its reflection, the results are not pretty.

People often make the mistake of thinking that storytelling is something that comes naturally to everyone. Why? Because, as children, we listened to our parents read to us or tell us stories as a means of lulling us to sleep.