Building The Wall Tickets

Building The Wall, a play by Robert Schenkkan, is an unapologetic political drama that puts a spotlight on the ongoing immigration debates in the United States. This one-act play has been performed in various theaters across the country ever since its premiere in 2017. Let’s take a closer look at how Building The Wall uniquely contributes to the world of theater.

The Plot

The play is set in a near-future dystopian America where President Trump’s promise of building a wall between the US and Mexico has been fulfilled. A former history professor, Rick (portrayed by a single actor), finds himself sitting in a prison cell, waiting for a journalist to interview him about his involvement in the government's actions. As the play progresses, Rick reveals the deep-seated racism within those who were in power. He describes his own transformation from a liberal college professor to a supporter of mass deportation and concentration camps.

The Characters

Building The Wall only features two characters – Rick, who is the primary character and Gloria, the journalist conducting the interview. By having just two characters, the playwright allows for a deep exploration of these two individuals and their motivations. The play forces the audience to question if any one person can be held responsible for such horrors or if it is the entire system that is to blame. The dichotomy between Rick's initial intentions and his eventual support for concentration camps are particularly striking.

The Message

Building The Wall is not afraid to tackle current events head-on. By addressing America's immigration policies directly, Schenkkan provokes deep thoughtfulness about the humanity of immigrants and the ethical implications of anti-immigration laws. The play highlights the darker elements of current policies and leaves no room for ambiguity regarding its stance.

Conclusion

Building The Wall offers contemporary commentary on the complex political issues surrounding immigration in America, as well as urging the audience to consider broader questions of “who and what did we become?” The play’s short form and limited cast forces viewers to confront the reality of concentration camps, racism, and fascism head-on. The play represents a unique contribution to theater as an art form that has been and seems likely to remain both political and socially relevant for the foreseeable future.