The original play "Unplugged Electric Guitar," written and directed by internationally produced playwright 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, inspired by a real conversation Rocco had with his own father, uses two intimate conversations to explore how people change when they let go of their dreams.
Over breakfast, Tom (David Gueriera) convinces Danny (Danny Rocco) to give up his pursuit of writing. Years later, Danny is given the chance to mentor a young artist and must decide whether to pass down inspiration or the fear that was bestowed upon him. Rocco describes the play as "the closest thing to a horror story I could imagine," examining the slow, subtle paper cuts that bleed an artist of their higher purpose.
Award-winning director Chivonne Michelle, returning to theater after a decade of television acting, was drawn to the play's exploration of a queer man's journey of self-acceptance and the universal question of how work fits into identity. "We all—not just artists—have deep moments of sadness when it comes to our work," she explained. "It's a universal experience to ask yourself if you're less than because of the work you do."
Rocco began writing the play ten years ago to understand his relationship with his father, art, and middle age. Though he didn't find concrete answers, he gained empathy for his father and confirmation of his own 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 his personal story, Rocco and Michelle returned to technique basics learned together in school.
The play features Danny Rocco, David Gueriera, Nathan Norrington-Herr, and Jack Little. Tickets are $20 (plus $3 service fee) and available through the Hollywood Fringe Festival website. Remaining performances are Saturday, June 20 at 8pm and Sunday, June 21 at 3pm, with a run time of 90 minutes including intermission at Thymele Arts, 5481 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles.
Rocco hopes audiences leave with more compassion for the complexity of being a working artist and for those who make the heartbreaking decision to leave their dreams behind.
