‘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 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.
The show has has some great reviews!
EDINBURGH FESTIVAL 2024
‘… this heart wrenching play … beautifully written and acted … I was moved to tears … I loved this play … (it) thoroughly deserves sell out audiences for the rest of the festival.’
One4review.co.uk ★★★★★
Featured on Mervyn Stutter’s Pick of the Fringe
Highly Recommended ★★★★
The Trumpian MAGA slogan is stripped to shreds in this play set in the Michigan rustbelt as a war veteran realises that such empty phrases hide the real truth.’
The List ★★★★
‘… engrossing one man show …a compelling play … Vergette’s acting was wonderful … genuinely moving. A brilliant performance … This play deserves an hour of your time. Recommended.’
North West End UK ★★★★
‘… compelling … a clever piece of storytelling which resists the temptation to lead the audience towards one-dimensional empathy or opprobrium …’
BroadwayBaby.com ★★★★
‘… an ending that is both devastating and uplifting. A highly recommended production that resonates today.’
EdinburghGuide.com ★★★★
‘… complex themes are handled with aplomb … if you’re looking for a nuanced look at American politics this Fringe, look no further.’
Entertainment-now.com ★★★★
Writer / Performer Richard Vergette
His plays include: An Englishman’s Home (24.7 Theatre Festival Manchester 2007), As We Forgive Them (24.7 – Manchester Evening News Award for Best New Play, & Bolton Octagon, Bristol Tobacco Factory, London’s Arcola Theatre 2009), American Justice (Arts Theatre, London’s West End 2013), Pure (Mikron Theatre tour, 2015-2016), Dancing Through The Shadows (Hull Truck Theatre 2015), Dark Winter (Hull Truck Theatre 2018), Hunt the Tiger (R&D, Cast Theatre, Doncaster, for Andy Jordan Productions 2020), Missing You (audio drama produced by Made in Manchester, featuring June Brown in her final role 2020), Leaving Vietnam (Manchester Fringe Festival 2021, Hull Truck Theatre & Edinburgh Fringe 2022 Park Theatre, London 2023), then revised and re-titled Born in the USA (Edinburgh Fringe 2024 & UK Tour 2025).
Watch the trailer…
