Insurrection Drama Fatherland Begins Off-Broadway September 18
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 as previews begin at New York City Center Stage II September 18. The concept is from Stephen Sachs, who is also directing.
Opening night is September 26, and performances will continue through November 23.
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.
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, 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.