The original play "Unplugged Electric Guitar," by internationally produced playwright and director Danny Rocco, is concluding its inaugural run at the Hollywood Fringe Festival with final performances on June 20-21 at Thymele Arts in Los Angeles. The emotionally tender show uses two pivotal, intimate conversations to examine how people change when they let go of their dreams.
Inspired by a real conversation Rocco had with his own father, the play follows Tom (David Gueriera) convincing his son Danny (Danny Rocco) to give up writing. Years later, Danny is given the chance to mentor a young artist and confronts the decision to pass down inspiration or the fear he received. Described by Rocco as "the closest thing to a horror story I could imagine," the play examines the subtle compromises that drain artists of their purpose.
Director Chivonne Michelle, returning to theater after a decade in television, was drawn to the complexity of being a successful working artist. "What excited me was exploring a queer man who's been on the journey of accepting himself and how the world accepts him, who then chose a career that society also doesn't understand," she said. "We all have deep moments of sadness when it comes to our work, trying to understand how it fits into our identities."
Rocco began writing the play ten years ago to understand his relationship with his father, art, and middle age. While he didn't find concrete answers, he gained empathy for his father and confirmation he is on the right path. "For me, an artist who has not given up, to write a play about giving up is both spiritually important and dangerous," he said. To separate himself from the character, Rocco and Michelle returned to acting techniques they learned together in school.
Rocco hopes audiences leave with more compassion for the complexity of being a working artist and for those who leave their dreams behind. The play features Danny Rocco, David Gueriera, Nathan Norrington-Herr, and Jack Little. Tickets are $20 (plus $3 service fee) and are available through the Hollywood Fringe Festival website. Remaining performances are Saturday, June 20 at 8pm and Sunday, June 21 at 3pm. Run time is 90 minutes with intermission at Thymele Arts, 5481 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles.
Rocco is the author of the 60-actor play "Convention" and a pioneer of the Script Writing Score, supported by Yaddo, the Edward F. Albee Foundation, and other residencies. Michelle is an award-winning film and theater director and founder of the Sustainable Artist Studio.
