True West by Sam Shepard
Wednesday 27th & Thursday 28th May
Bar: 6.30pm / Doors: 7.00pm / Show: 7.30pm
Tickets: £20
Seating: Theatre Reserved
Presented by Get A Real Job Productions
Written by Sam Shepard | Directed by Nico Argenti
True West Sam Shepard is a scorching, darkly comedic exploration of sibling rivalry, fractured identity, and the hollowness of the American dream. First performed in 1980, the play has since become one of Sam Shepard’s most celebrated works, earning its place as a modern classic performed by some of the most acclaimed actors of the last four decades. The story centres on two estranged brothers—Austin, a disciplined screenwriter striving for stability, and Lee, a volatile drifter whose unpredictable presence disrupts the fragile order of their mother’s home. What begins as a tense reunion quickly spirals into a volatile battle of wills, ambition, and identity as the brothers’ roles shift, blur, and ultimately unravel.
Set against the backdrop of suburban California, True West blends biting humour with psychological tension as Austin and Lee attempt to collaborate on a Hollywood screenplay. Their creative partnership devolves into chaos, exposing deep‑rooted resentments, power struggles, and an unsettling fluidity in their personalities. Shepard’s writing masterfully captures the contradictions of family, masculinity, and aspiration, offering audiences a unique experience that is as unsettling as it is compelling.
This production by Get A Real Job Productions bring new electricity to Shepard’s masterpiece, honouring the play’s legacy while offering a contemporary interpretation driven by bold staging and powerful performances. Across the decades, True West has been a magnet for extraordinary talent, with famous productions featuring actors such as Philip Seymour Hoffman, John C. Reilly, John Malkovich, Gary Sinise, Mark Rylance, Ethan Hawke, Paul Dano, Kit Harington and Johnny Flynn. Each generation has reimagined the brothers’ dynamic, and this staging continues that tradition with fresh intensity.
Presented at The Harlington, Fleet, on Wednesday 27th & Thursday 28th May, this two‑night event invites audiences to witness a raw, exhilarating confrontation that feels just as urgent today as it did at its debut. By attending, you are not only experiencing one of modern theatre’s most gripping works but also supporting the exceptional local artists and actors bringing it to life.
Why True West by Sam Shepard Still Resonates
- A razor‑sharp script from Pulitzer Prize–winning playwright Sam Shepard
- Explosive tension and pitch‑black comedy that keep audiences on edge
- Two powerhouse performances that ignite the stage with intensity and unpredictability
- A gripping, high‑stakes story that still feels urgent, contemporary and unmistakably human
- A fearless new staging from Get A Real Job Productions, known for energising classics with gritty authenticity and bold creativity
- And by joining us, you’re directly supporting outstanding local artists and actors, helping to champion home‑grown talent and keep our creative community thriving.
