What’s American?! Who determines what the “real” west is? All of this along with the most fiercest sibling rivalry is happening in True West? An all Asian American cast brings this story by Pulitzer Prize winning Playwright Sam Shepard to life.
What to know before you go?
The show ends today, Sunday August 27th at 2pm. So if you are doing get your tickets now. In addition the show runs approximately for 2 hours including a 15 minute intermission. The show is for ages 14 and up and there is some use of profanity and what can be described as mild violence towards the end. I had my 14 year old daughter with me and she was fine. In addition I would arrive about 30 minutes before the show. This will give you time to get your tickets, get seated, as well as get any concessions that you are now able to bring into the theatre.
Siblings and History
Right from the start you see the story line is focused on siblings Austin and Lee. Their dynamics are very volatile as they but heads over their different paths. Austin is a writer set to sell his story to Hollywood. Lee is a drifter who steals his way through life. The looking down on one another is apparent through their onscreen interactions. Resentment on who’s responsible enough to look after things while their mom is traveling and dad is an avid drunk.
You will see the dynamics switch and thus ensues the debate on the American dream. Who’s able to obtain it? Could your jealousy of a sibling allow you to walk away from the “bag?”
Asian American Cast
I’ve never seen an all Asian American cast. However I enjoyed the diversity. Every actor and actress on the stage brought depth. For instance without giving any spoilers when Mom played by Ching Valdes-Aran comes on stage and sees her world has crashed the way in which only a Mom can be present but also aloof is real. Attempting to interject herself into her son’s ongoing feud is exhausting. Mom wants them to take it outside as if they were kids but as you will see this boiling over of emotions is too heavy to dissipate.
Who owns the West?
You have one sibling with their story of what the west means and the other vying to finally be seen. As you watch you will see the dynamic of what I would like to call the call of duty. Does the child who has done all of the things right like work his dream, marry and have a family not supposed to win? Or is it the child that doesn’t commit, never gets it right, the one that can turn around?! Can both co-exist?
Personal Take Aways
I loved the dynamics of both brothers. As a twin I remember feeling like we were being compared. As the twin that came off as the more organized, put together and more my twin felt unseen. I’ve known that so I do my best to uplift her especially when she’s having her moment. I don’t try to take that from her. I know that the most put together may not always be that going forward. It’s important to know anyone whenever they want can change. Austin may need a reminder of that towards his brother Lee.
The play takes place in California in the 80s. So you will see and hear more of a laid back approach compare to now. I’m an 80s baby and the way in which we lived then wasn’t as rule focused. This is why being a drifter wouldn’t even be a term used until now. People moved the way they wanted to. When you see it or saw True West, which sibling is more like you?!
Thank you to People’s Light and En Route Marketing for having me. I always love being on your campus. The customer service is always top tier. Make sure if you’re able to have a meal at their restaurant, Fern & Fable. Coming up is Bonez happening September 22-October 15th. Get your tickets now. Also Fall Fest is on October 29, 2023. It’s free and family friendly.
