Mainstage Show
True West
By Sam Shepard
Directed by Phil Johnson
Starring Jason Maddy & David McBean
Step into the raw and riveting world of Sam Shepard's "True West," where the blistering heat of the California desert mirrors the searing tensions between estranged brothers, Austin and Lee. Set against the backdrop of a suburban house, this modern American classic unravels a primal struggle for identity and dominance as the siblings confront their turbulent past and uncertain futures. With dark humor and relentless intensity, "True West" explores the fragile line between civilization and chaos, posing profound questions about authenticity, ambition, and the untamed wilderness within us all. Discover Shepard's masterwork brought to life in a production that promises to captivate and provoke.
“A tour de force of dramatic tension and psychological depth.” - Variety
“A searing, intense exploration of brotherhood, identity, and the American Dream” - The New York Times
March 27 - April 13, 2025
Diversionary Theatre
4545 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92116
Meet the Cast
David McBean
Actor
Jason Maddy
Actor
Meet the Creative Team
Sam Shepard
Playwright
Sam Shepard was a seminal figure in American theater, renowned for his storytelling prowess that interwove personal mythologies with the landscapes of the modern West. Born on November 5, 1943, in Fort Sheridan, Illinois, Shepard rose to prominence in the 1960s with his innovative, often surreal plays that challenged conventional narratives. His work, characterized by its lyrical intensity and exploration of fragmented family dynamics, includes celebrated plays like True West, Buried Child, and Fool for Love. Shepard's Buried Child won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1979, cementing his reputation as a playwright of extraordinary depth and originality. In addition to his theatrical achievements, Shepard was also an accomplished actor and screenwriter, bringing his distinct voice to numerous films. His legacy as a playwright and cultural icon continues to influence generations of writers and artists.
Phil Johnson
Director
Phil Johnson is the Artistic Director and proud co-founder of The Roustabouts Theatre Co. He’s directed for The Roustabouts, Scripps Ranch Theatre, Playwrights Project, and started the new Great Jewish American Playwright Series/JPlays at the JCC. He’s appeared at almost all San Diego theaters and in numerous original solo shows including
A Jewish Joke which opened Off-Broadway in NYC in 2019. As an actor, he’s played in Les Misérables on Broadway and on tour; Canadian production of Sunset Boulevard; and the 1st National Co. of Miss Saigon. He is a two-time winner of the SD Critics Circle Craig Noel Award for acting, and he is a founder of the San Diego Theatre Alliance.