The original play 'Unplugged Electric Guitar,' written and directed by Danny Rocco, is set to conclude its inaugural run at the Hollywood Fringe Festival with final performances on June 20-21 at Thymele Arts in Los Angeles. The emotionally tender show, inspired by a real conversation Rocco had with his father, examines the ways individuals change when they let go of their dreams.
Using two pivotal, intimate conversations, the play follows Tom (David Gueriera) convincing his son Danny (Danny Rocco) to give up his pursuit of writing. Years later, Danny is given the chance to mentor a young artist and faces the decision to pass down inspiration or the fear that was bestowed upon him. Rocco describes the play as 'the closest thing to a horror story I could imagine,' focusing on the slow, subtle paper cuts that bleed an artist of their higher purpose.
Award-winning director Chivonne Michelle, returning to theater after a decade of television acting, was drawn to the complex question of what it means to be a successful working artist today. 'What excited me was exploring a queer man who’s been on the journey of accepting himself and how the world accepts him, who then chose a career that society also doesn’t understand,' she said. Michelle emphasized the universal experience of questioning one’s identity tied to work, noting that 'we all—not just artists—have deep moments of sadness when it comes to our work.'
Rocco began writing the play ten years ago to better understand his relationship with his father, art, and middle age. While the live show did not provide concrete answers, it deepened his empathy for his father and confirmed he is on the right path. 'For me, an artist who has not given up, to write a play about giving up is both spiritually important and dangerous,' Rocco said. He added that taking on the role felt exposing due to personal details, requiring him and Michelle to return to technique basics learned together in school.
The play features Danny Rocco, David Gueriera, Nathan Norrington-Herr, and Jack Little. Rocco hopes audiences leave with more compassion for the complexity of being a working artist and for those who make the heartbreaking decision to leave their dreams behind. Tickets are available through the Hollywood Fringe Festival website.
Rocco is the internationally produced playwright and director known for the 60-actor play 'Convention' and the Script Writing Score. Michelle, founder of the Sustainable Artist Studio, brings her experience as an award-winning film and theater director to the production.
