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 visit makes him question his convictions and leads to a profound emotional reconciliation. 

This highly praised, deeply moving yet humorous play tells the gripping story of a man who must confront his trauma in order to overcome it. 

In recent years populist parties have gained huge support in democracies across the world. Born In The USA bravely challenges assumptions about populist politics to show how they seduce the marginalised and the disaffected. Trump's re-election has increased bitter political divisions, making the play even more topical and pertinent.

'An extraordinary tour de force, both uplifting and devastating in equal measure'
***** Reviews Hub

'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

Tickets: £18

Written and Performed by Richard Vergette.
Born in Lincolnshire, Richard was a Drama teacher in the Yorkshire and Humber region for 30 years. Writing highlights include: An Englishman’s Home (24.7 Theatre Festival Manchester 2007) As We Forgive Them (24.7 - Manchester Evening News nominee for Best New Play 2009), American Justice (Arts Theatre, West End 2013), Pure (Mikron Theatre tour, 2015-2016), Dancing through the Shadows (Hull Truck, 2015), Dark Winter (Hull Truck, 2018), Hunt the Tiger (R and D at Cast Theatre, Doncaster 2020), Missing you (Audio Drama produced by Made in Manchester, featuring June Brown in her final role, 2020).