Insurrection Drama Fatherland Opens Off-Broadway September 26
Conceived and directed by Stephen Sachs, the work follows an 18 year-old who turned in his father to the FBI via real-life public statements and court transcripts.
Ron Bottitta and Patrick Keleher in Fatherland
Jenny Graham
A new verbatim theatre play, titled Fatherland and centered on the January 6, 2021, attempted insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, makes its Off-Broadway debut with an official opening night September 26 after beginning previews September 18. Performances will continue at New York City Center Stage II through November 23. The concept is from Stephen Sachs, who is also directing.
The work uses public statements, case evidence, and official court transcripts to explore the true story of an 18 year-old who turned in his father to the FBI following the latter’s violent participation in the January 6 attack. The Off-Broadway debut follows a run at Los Angeles’ Fountain Theatre.
The full cast from the California production is reprising their performances Off-Broadway, including Ron Bottitta as Father, Patrick Keleher as Son, Anna Khaja as U.S. Attorney, and Larry Poindexter as Defense Attorney. Casting is by Koppel Casting.
The production features scenic design by Joel David, lighting design by Alison Brummer, sound design by Stewart Blackwood, and costume design by Danyele Thomas. Evan Bernardin Productions is general managing. Judy Miller, J. Todd Harris / Amy Powers, Cate Caplin, Barbara Herman, Karen Kondazian, Jenny Warburg, and Sonia Friedman Productions are producing.
“Fatherland is the true story of a young man who must summon the moral courage to speak the truth at the risk of upending his life and casting his family into turmoil,” said Sachs in an earlier statement. “Unlike characters in a scripted play, the people you meet in Fatherland are not made up. They are real. … In this urgent election year, when the fate of our nation teeters before us, Fatherland reminds us of the human cost of cult worship and dangerous ideology. A warning cry for our country, at its core, Fatherland brings home the struggle of a father and son, each called to take action without losing his soul. What would you do?”
Tickets are available at NYCityCenter.org.
