Unplugged Electric Guitar: A Raw Look at Abandoning Dreams

The original play "Unplugged Electric Guitar" from internationally produced playwright and director Danny Rocco is wrapping up its highly praised first run at Thymele Arts in Los Angeles with final shows on June 20-21. Inspired by a real conversation Rocco had with his own father, the play explores the emotional cost of abandoning one's dreams through two pivotal conversations. Over breakfast, Tom (David Gueriera) convinces Danny (Rocco) to give up writing; years later, Danny mentors a young artist and must decide whether to pass on inspiration or fear. Rocco describes the play as "the closest thing to a horror story I could imagine," focusing on the subtle ways artists lose their higher purpose.

Director Chivonne Michelle, returning to theater after a decade in television, was drawn to the play's exploration of what it means to be a successful working artist today. She notes that the story resonates universally, as everyone has moments of sadness about their work and identity. Writing the play began ten years ago as a way for Rocco to understand his relationship with his father, art, and middle age. He says the process gave him more empathy for his father and confirmation he is on the right path, despite not finding concrete answers. Rocco hopes audiences leave with compassion for the complexity of being a working artist and for those who give up their dreams.

The cast includes Danny Rocco, David Gueriera, Nathan Norrington-Herr, and Jack Little. Performances run 90 minutes with intermission at Thymele Arts, and tickets are available through the Hollywood Fringe Festival website. Rocco is also the creator of the Script Writing Score and co-creator of Swseng, a new 'present-tense' writing software. Michelle, an award-winning director, founded the Sustainable Artist Studio and teaches in LA.