Born In The USA

‘Beautifully written and acted play. I was moved to tears.’

‘Last week I saw a dead man… A man I saw die’

Following 4 and 5 star reviews in Edinburgh and at London’s Park Theatre, this enthralling and timely solo play his Stafford hard on October 29.

Michigan. Present day. Jimmy Vandenburg, ex-Ford factory car worker, works alone in his garage servicing the classic American cars of his youth. He is the man ‘born down in a dead man’s town’, the antihero of the Bruce Springsteen anthem, trying to survive in the economic wasteland of the rust belt.

A decorated Vietnam war veteran, Jimmy felt his service for his country was ignored after he came home. Trump’s call to ‘Make America Great Again’ appeals to Jimmy’s disillusionment.

But his new-found politics drives a wedge between him and his wife and daughter until a chance visit by the son of a fallen comrade makes him doubt his convictions and leads to a profound emotional reconciliation.

This multi-layered, often humorous and intensely moving solo play by award-winning actor-playwright Richard Vergette is a timely exploration of what drives populist politics and how they seduce the disillusioned and the disaffected.

In recent years populist parties have gained huge support in democracies across the world. Born In The USA bravely challenges assumptions about populist politics to show how they seduce the marginalised and the disaffected. Trump’s re-election has increased bitter political divisions, making the play even more topical and pertinent.

Edinburgh Fringe Review

‘Gripping piece of theatre that should be experienced by all generations…a compelling, heart-wrenching tale.’ ★★★★★ One4Review

Mervyn Stutter’s Pick of the Fringe
Highly Recommended ★★★★

‘The Trumpian MAGA slogan is stripped to shreds in this play set in the Michigan rustbelt as a war veteran realises that such empty phrases hide the real truth.’
The List ★★★★

‘… engrossing one man show …a compelling play … Vergette’s acting was wonderful … genuinely moving. A brilliant performance … This play deserves an hour of your time. Recommended.’
North West End UK ★★★★

‘… compelling … a clever piece of storytelling which resists the temptation to lead the audience towards one-dimensional empathy or opprobrium …’
BroadwayBaby.com ★★★★

‘… an ending that is both devastating and uplifting. A highly recommended production that resonates today.’
EdinburghGuide.com ★★★★

‘… complex themes are handled with aplomb … if you’re looking for a nuanced look at American politics this Fringe, look no further.’
Entertainment-now.com ★★★★