Michigan. Present day. Ex-Ford factory worker Jimmy Vandenburg works alone in his garage servicing the classic American cars of his youth. He is the antihero of the Bruce Springsteen anthem, born down in a dead man’s town, trying to get by in the economic wasteland of the rust belt.
A decorated Vietnam war veteran, Jimmy feels his service for his country was ignored after he came home, so Trump’s call to ‘Make America Great Again’ appeals to his disillusionment. But his new found politics drive a wedge between him and his wife. Then a chance visit by the son of a marine comrade killed in the war makes him doubt his convictions and confront his trauma in a profound emotional reconciliation.
This highly praised, moving, and often humorous solo play bravely challenges assumptions about what drives populist politics to show how they can seduce the disillusioned and the disaffected. Following rave reviews in Edinburgh and London, this gripping play is touring the UK. Written and Performed by Richard Vergette
Born in Lincolnshire, Richard was a Drama teacher in the Yorkshire and Humber region for 30 years. Writing highlights include: An Englishman’s Home (24.7 Theatre Festival Manchester 2007) As We Forgive Them (24.7 - Manchester Evening News nominee for Best New Play 2009), American Justice (Arts Theatre, West End 2013), Pure (Mikron Theatre tour, 2015-2016), Dancing through the Shadows (Hull Truck, 2015), Dark Winter (Hull Truck, 2018), Hunt the Tiger (R and D at Cast Theatre, Doncaster 2020), Missing you (Audio Drama produced by Made in Manchester, featuring June Brown in her final role, 2020).
'An extraordinary tour de force, both uplifting and devastating in equal measure' - 5 stars - Reviews Hub
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Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Millbrook, Guildford