One House Over
by Catherine Trieschmann
Originally produced at Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Milwaukee, WI
February 27 to March 25, 2018
About the Premiere Production:
Synopsis: When Rafael and Camila Hernandez move in downstairs to help Joanne with her elderly father, Joanne breathes a little easier. She needs their help, and they need jobs. But she can’t anticipate the complications that arise when “the help” starts to feel like family…and act like it. A brilliantly funny and provocative new piece by one of today’s hottest playwrights, it’s an empathetic but searing examination of boundaries, power, privilege, and fear in a single backyard.
Artistic Statement: We take very seriously our responsibility to stand at the forefront of current cultural conversations. The notion of boundaries is polarizing our society, and One House Over will challenge audiences to explore their own boundaries: geographical, psychological, and physical. What makes the play particularly exciting and effective in this effort is its use of a masterfully disarming comedic structure to explore the serious subject of how it might feel to be an outsider in whatever one defines as one’s home, as well as elder care, immigration, and multi-ethic neighborhoods. Milwaukee Rep’s mission dictates that we ignite positive change in our community. Plays like One House Over that illuminate the barriers we use to divide ourselves from our fellow citizens—supported by conversations and community partnerships through which every audience member can explore how we might strengthen our community—make huge steps toward achieving that vital goal.
Grant Statement: An additional week of rehearsal allows us the time to explore a wider range of perspectives—and to explore them more deeply—to ensure that we’re creating just the most effective possible catalyst for our community conversations.
Director: Mark Clements
Set Designer: Kevin Depinet
Lighting Designer: Jesse Klug
Costume Designer: Rachel Laritz
Sound Designer:Joe Cerqua
DramaturgAbigail Gonda
Cast:Justin Huen, Mark Jacoby, Jeanne Paulsen
Additional funders: John (Jack) D. Lewis New Play Development Program, Judy Hansen, Catherine and Buddy Robinson, Four-Four Foundation, Inc.
Subsequent Productions:
- Geva Theatre Center in Rochester, NY April 3, 2018 - April 29, 2018 (Co-production with Milwaukee Repertory Theatre)