Born in the USA (Leaving Vietnam)
Theatre (new writing, solo show)
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Venue 40C ARTS | C venues | C alto - studio
- 16:00
- Aug 25
- 1 hour
- Country: United Kingdom - England
- Group: Andy Jordan Productions with Richard Vergette
- Warnings and additional info: Contains violent themes
- Accessibility: May not apply to all performances. You'll find more information about accessibile performances and how to book tickets in the accessibility tab below.
- Babes in arms policy: Babies do not require a ticket
- Policy applies to: Children under 2 years
Description
Trump’s populist slogan ‘Make America Great Again’ appeals to disillusioned war veteran Jimmy in rustbelt Michigan but his new-found politics threaten to tear his family apart – until an unexpected visit leads to a profound emotional reconciliation. Original, humorous, intensely moving storytelling, redemptive and hopeful, about overcoming trauma, and having to face it to overcome it. From award-winning actor-playwright Richard Vergette. ‘Multi-layered and masterful’ (HackneyCitizen.co.uk). ‘An excellent storyteller’ (BritishTheatreGuide.info). ‘Compelling, heart-wrenching… gripping piece of new theatre writing that should be experienced by all generations’ (FringeReview.co.uk). ‘Extraordinary tour-de-force… uplifting and devastating in equal measure’ (TheReviewsHub.com).Please note that while all media gallery content is provided by verified members of the event, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society does not review or approve this content before it is posted. Reports of inappropriate content or copyright infringement can be directed to [email protected].
General venue access
- Accessible entry: Enter building from Victoria Terrace using permanent ramp. Take stairs or lift up two levels to first floor. There is level access to space. Accessible toilets at rear of on ground floor foyer.
- Stairs: Information not supplied
Wheelchair access type: Building Lift
Each venue can contain several space with different accessibly information. Visit the venue page for full venue accessibility info
How and when to make an access booking
- Phone: +44 (0)131 226 0002
- Email: [email protected]
- Textphone: +44 (0)7860 018 299
- Find out more about access at the Fringe.
Our access tickets service is available to anyone who:
- Would like to book specific accessibility services, e.g. a hearing loop, audio description headsets, captioning units, seating in relation to the location of the BSL interpreter
- Requires extra assistance when at a venue
- Has specific seating requirements
- Is a wheelchair user
- Requires a complimentary personal assistant ticket to attend a performance
FAITH MARTIN-ABONGO 13 days ago
This play takes you through an array of emotions as the actor’s mesmerising story telling teleports you back to the Vietnam War to the volatile social and political landscape of today. Passionately told, the writer does a great job at both correlating and contrasting the rapidly shifting state of consciousness of the American psyche (and perhaps the world’s). There’s a subtle (but I couldn’t disregard) undertone of a serious message being relayed here. This is a honest, jovial and heartfelt account touching on worrying political and social trends.
Alan Jones 13 days ago
A totally absorbing and emotional play about one man's post war struggles and how it might relate to modern day politics. Quite intense in places. Brilliantly performed by the writer himself. Absolutely worth seeing.
Jamie Stewart 15 days ago
Good one man show. Fantastic stuff from the actor. He recants the life of the character with all the challenges both in Vietnam and afterwards. I did think the link to Trump and MAGA was a touch funnelled in. But that takes nothing away from the actor who was engaging.
Lily Kirkpatrick 17 days ago
A really brilliant one man show executed brilliantly. Very emotional story about a man struggling with life after serving in Vietnam.
Highly recommend this show
Philip Tucker-Bell 17 days ago
This is a totally absorbing telling of a sad part of American history. Written and performed by the author, Richard Vergette. Presented from the perspective of a normal American guy who volunteered to fight in Vietnam for his country. Unliksny, he lived to tell the tale. By the time he returned, the public opinion in the States about the war had shifted massively. Those combatants were vilified for what they had done for their country.
The ending of the story had me in tears.
So well worth seeing. Thank you Richard!
Steve Williams 17 days ago
I saw this show under its original title (Leaving Vietnam) in 2022 and absolutely loved it. Knowing that it had been slightly amended and seeing it back at Edinburgh I just had to see it again. It is, by far, one of the most powerful pieces of writing I have ever come across and it has lost none of its passion or heart after the revision. Coupled with a truly astonishing tour de force by actor and writer, Richard Vergette, this is a must see show. In total I have seen it four times now and I am always an emotional wreck at the end with tears streaming down my face!
If you see nothing else at the Fringe you must see Born in the USA. If I could give stars it would be a straight 5* show without a shadow of doubt!
Graeme King 19 days ago
Stumbling across shows like this is why I love the Fringe. A sharp, insightful and nuanced script is brilliantly brought to life by a wonderful performer. A brilliant little show that deserves a much higher profile. Go and see it, you won’t regret it.
James Boyd 21 days ago
Phenomenal and powerful performance, I was hooked throughout. An uncomfortable story but one that needs to be told.
I can't praise this enough.
Joan Greening 21 days ago
An excellent production with an outstanding performance by Richard Vergette. I saw the original Leaving Vietnam two years ago and was hugely impressed by the way the show has progressed and current themes included. Truly a magnificent piece of theatre.
Allan Fellowes 23 days ago
A brilliant piece. Witty, visceral, and thoroughly thought-provoking. Richard Vergette should also be commended for his unwavering performance despite problems with the venue's stifling heat and a couple of noises off.
Peter Dawson 23 days ago
Other reviews say it all. Not to be missed
Carol Ann 24 days ago
I would highly recommend this one man show. The audience were gripped from the start and were taken on an emotional journey for the next hour. Highly recommend this show fantastic actor. It deserves to be in a bigger venue although perhaps the intimacy of the performance helped the audiences experience.
Michael Cox 26 days ago
The best fringe show. Extremely well written and performed and most thought provoking. If you visit the Fringe then do not miss this one.
ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM 27 days ago
Amazing show, full of incredible story telling and raw emotion. A great performance accompanied by sound and lighting which really helps us enter the world of such a captivating story. Great moment to end the show as well with friendly company members.
Sean Davis 28 days ago
Born in the USA (Leaving Vietnam) (*****)
This one man show has a Vietnam veteran tell of his experiences in Vietnam as an enlisted Marine, and how they continued to influence his life for decades. His bond with a medic provides a touchstone for the taciturn autoworker’s tale. While I am not a veteran, his confrontation with the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. mirrored my own deep appreciation of those soldiers.
This is the 5th most enjoyable of the 80 shows I have seen so far at the Fringe this year. I hope to see more than 150 this year. You may see my other three-sentence reviews, in order from most enjoyable to worst, at my non-commercial website: https://fringefan.com/
Kaytlin Bailey 29 days ago
This show is gripping and gritty. As the daughter of a Vietnam veteran I'm so glad I went.
Karen Sticher 30 days ago
The last fifteen minutes were particularly gripping. I was left very moved. Excellent acting; the acting & story brought you in so I was left rooting for a character I didn’t think I’d relate to.
Ian Tucker-Bell 32 days ago
There are many solo shows at EdFringe but few of such quality as this. Exceptional writing, and exceptional performance - this is a true fringe gem. A masterclass in storytelling, character, and theatre craft. Don’t miss it.
Boris Samarov 33 days ago
A very well written and acted play. It leaves a complicated political dynamic complicated, while adding a human dimension to our current American schism.
NorthWestEnd.com 35 days ago
‘Vergette’s acting was wonderful. A brilliant performance ... An engrossing one man show … a compelling play … genuinely moving … This play deserves an hour of your time … Recommended.’ ****
NorthWestEnd.com
Participants - for further details on our audience and published review policies, including how to add or opt out of reviews, please click here.
The British Theatre Guide 19 days ago
Edinburgh Guide 24 days ago
One4review 24 days ago
EdinburghGuide.com 26 days ago
Broadway Baby 29 days ago
Corr Blimey 29 days ago
Entertainment Now 31 days ago
North West End UK 35 days ago
Participants - for further details on our audience and published review policies, including how to add or opt out of reviews, please click here.
Participants - for further details on our audience and published review policies, including how to add or opt out of reviews, please click here.