MY RIGHT WING UNCLE

“This play is about yes, my right wing uncle, Gene, but it’s not what you think. I am hope not, at least.”

Over the past few years, I’ve been concerned, fascinated maybe even obsessed with the political division in our country as I’m sure many of you have been as well. In pursuit of understanding, I decided to interview My Right Wing Uncle — Uncle Gene — and discovered a lot more about the man than the label I’d given him.

I started by assembling hours of transcription into a document, then went whittling away at it trying to find the heart. Once I had a draft, I started privately reading it to friends in what eventually I was calling breakfast theatre.

For the next few months, I toured all across the southland showing up to friends houses right around breakfast — I’d read my evolving piece and then enjoy such deep, rewarding conversations about life, death, lost love, regret, parenthood - essentially what makes us human and why we as Americans often feel so angry divided in this country.

I am deeply grateful to Jeff Perry for joining me on this journey, lending his sensitive genius to help tell this story and supporting me in climbing this mountain. I’ve loved every minute of our collaboration! Thank you to everyone at @iamatheatre for their steadfast support, encouragement and love. And a special, enormous THANK YOU to my Uncle Gene for stepping outside his comfort zone and allowing us to shape his story into a night of theatre for all of us to share. Hope to see you there!