Artisan thanks everyone who came out to the reading of Jacob Juntunen’s new play Under America at the Prop Thtr on September 5th. We were thrilled to see the theatre filled to capacity! Check out pictures below of the event and a few words from director, Sean Kelly on the experience…

More pics coming soon!

Under America was a truly rewarding experience. The cast embraced the text and each other, bonding almost immediately and developing a great give-and-take ensemble in a matter of days. Our rehearsal room was always full of activity, conversation and friendship, all stimulated by Jacob Juntunen’s wonderful script. I said often to the actors “Isn’t it wonderful when a play can teach you something?” From the abc’s of everyday prison life (“take one foot out of your pants before you crap, that way you can fight back”) to staggering stats and facts about prison labor and its far reaching economic and political ramifications, this play educated us to a terrible injustice lurking on the fringe of our society. Jacob smartly quoted Dostoyevsky in the play’s foreword “The degree of civilization in a society can be judged by entering its prisons.” But far from merely politics and figures, the play painted poignant characters, each struggling with important and conflicting responsibilities in their lives. My daughter vs. my political party. My brother vs. my newborn son. My girlfriend vs. my happiness. Under America touched us all personally and politically. It educated and entertained. It moved and motivated. I am thrilled to have been a part and to have been able to watch it shrink (in pages) but grow in depth, wit and truth.

-Sean Kelly, Director