About Born in the USA
Following 4 and 5 star rave reviews at Edinburgh Fringe and London’s Park Theatre, this gripping solo play is now touring the UK in 2025.
‘Last week I saw a dead man … A man I saw die.’
Michigan. Autumn 2024. Retired Ford factory worker Jimmy Vandenburg works alone in his garage servicing the classic American cars of his youth. He is the anti-hero 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.
Jimmy is a war hero, a decorated Vietnam veteran, who like many of his comrades, feels betrayed; so Trump’s call to ‘Make America Great Again’ appeals to his disillusionment.
But his newfound enthusiasm for politics drives a wedge between him and his wife, Bernice. Then a chance visitation makes him question his convictions and leads to a profound emotional reconciliation.
This highly praised, deeply moving yet humorous play tells the enthralling story of a man who must confront his trauma in order to overcome it.
In recent years political debate has become bitterly polarised. Populist parties now have huge support in democracies across the world. Diversity, once embraced as the hallmark of an equal society, has been outlawed in the US and the forces of extremism now occupy mainstream politics. Disillusionment has found its voice, however confused or exploited that voice might be.
Born In The USA bravely challenges assumptions about what drives populist politics to show how they can seduce the marginalised and the disaffected.
Trump's re-election has intensified political divisions, making the play especially timely and important.
A gripping piece of theatre that should be experienced by all generations … a compelling, heart-wrenching tale of a man who thought he was doing the right thing and now questions his actions.
– Edinburgh Fringe Review
Creative team
Written & Performed by Richard Vergette
Produced by Andy Jordan Productions Ltd
