'Unplugged Electric Guitar' explores the cost of abandoning artistic dreams

The original play 'Unplugged Electric Guitar,' from internationally produced playwright and director Danny Rocco, is sliding into its final two shows on June 20-21, bringing to conclusion a highly praised first run at Thymele Arts in Los Angeles.

Inspired by a real conversation Rocco had with his own father, the emotionally tender show uses two pivotal, intimate conversations to examine the ways we change when we let go of our 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 is confronted with the decision to pass down inspiration or the fear that was bestowed upon him.

Described by Rocco as 'the closest thing to a horror story I could imagine,' the play examines the slow subtle paper cuts that bleed an artist of their higher purpose and the ways we convince ourselves to let go of our dreams. The complex question of what it means to be a successful working artist in today's world drew award-winning director Chivonne Michelle back to theater following ten years of working as an actor in television.

'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 explained. 'We all—not just artists—have deep moments of sadness when it comes to our work, trying to understand how it fits into our identities. It's a universal experience to ask yourself if you're less than because of the work you do.'

Writing 'Unplugged Electric Guitar' began ten years ago as a way for Rocco to better understand his relationship to his father, art and middle age. With the show now live, he doesn't feel he received concrete answers to every question, but he gained more 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 of his experience. 'I felt very exposed taking on the role because there are so many personal details about my life in this character and in the first act. In order to divorce me in this role from my relationship with my dad, Chivonne and I had to go back to the technique basics we learned together in school.'

Rocco hopes audiences similarly leave the theater with more compassion for the complexity of being a working artist and for those who make the heartbreaking decision to leave their dreams behind. 'Unplugged Electric Guitar' features Danny Rocco, David Gueriera, Nathan Norrington-Herr and Jack Little.

Tickets are $20 (plus $3 service fee) and are available for purchase through the Hollywood Fringe Festival website. Remaining performances: Sat, June 20 — 8pm; Sun, June 21 — 3pm. Run time: 90 minutes, including intermission. Location: Thymele Arts (California Room), 5481 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90029.