Actress Comes Home and Gives Back

Gina Wilhelm Actress - Actress Comes Home and Gives Back

April Yvette Thompson, who grew up in Liberty City, Miami, FL, came back home Wednesday. Her one-woman hit show, "Liberty City," is playing in town through March 1.

On Wednesday, she returned to the Belafonte Tacolcy Center, where she spent a lot of time as a child. After giving a television interview, often in character, she stayed to talk to some at-risk youth.

She spoke with students who had been suspended for school, usually for fighting, giving them tools to keep from being suspended again.

She taught them to write a list of 100 things about themselves of which they are proud. It's a tool she uses herself to combat the rejection that actresses often face.

Thompson connected with the students, explaining that she had gotten into fights as a child herself.

In her play, Thompson plays several characters to tell the story of life in Liberty City. The play runs at Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami.

Tickets start at $40 and can be purchased at Arshtcenter.org or by calling 305-949-6722