Interview: Isaac Gómez of RADICAL or, are you gonna miss me? at IAMA Theatre Company
The playwright describes what inspired them to write this world premiere play
I chatted with writer Isaac Gómez about the world premiere of their new play Radical or, are you gonna miss me? at IAMA Theatre Company. The play, which tells the story of two sisters struggling to navigate a relationship despite major political differences, was inspired in part by a shocking discovery Gómez recently had in their own life. They wanted to figure out how their older brother who was raised in the same household as them, by the same parents, and attending the same schools, could have voted in a presidential election for Donald Trump. How can two people from the same family have such disparate beliefs and priorities? In writing this piece, Gómez explains, they had to wrangle with their own “militant belief system” and reliance on a “for/against dichotomy.”
“I don’t think the play villainizes anyone, but it makes us sit with hard questions. In the wrong place and the wrong time, I realized I could be radicalized and I’m not alone in that.” They continue, “My research into cults taught me that loneliness and lack of purpose can be strong motivators. I know what it feels like to want comfort from anything. I’ve spent lots of money on mysticism and tarot— some people might consider that a cult.” As they reflect on the huge masses of marginalized people who still rallied behind Trump’s presidential bid, they urge us all to be introspective. “Maybe we’re not so different from the Candace Owenses of the world.” This piece asks us to explore the motivations behind our beliefs and confront the assumptions we make about others in our lives.
Overall, Radical explores themes of us versus them thinking and how nuance and holding space for each other can offer a chance for relationships to survive otherwise extinction-level blows. In writing this play, Gómez sought to “understand a disconnect, not defend particular political beliefs. It’s a play about how trying to understand other people can help us better understand ourselves.” They hope the specificity they brought to the narrative will resonate broadly and universally with a wide range of audiences.
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The Most Happy Fella North Coast Repertory Theatre (6/03-6/28) |
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Bus People – A Hilarious & Optimistic Take on L.A. Public Transit The Actors Company (6/06-6/28) |
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E=MC² Einstein The Musical Kiki & David Gindler Performing Arts Center (7/03-7/26) |
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MISS MAGNOLIA BEAUMONT GOES TO PROVINCETOWN Los Angeles LGBT Center’s Davidson/Valentini Theatre (6/17-6/28) |
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STRAITJACKET SIRENS The Three Clubs (6/01-6/30) |
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The Turning Mark Taper Forum (9/02-10/11) |
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A Role Playing Game Hobgoblin Playhouse (6/08-6/28) |
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Gershwin and the Golden Age Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts (The Soraya) (10/11-10/11) |
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‘F**king Strangers’ Atwater Village Theatre (7/17-8/24) |
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BROADWAY SHOWSTOPPERS WITH GLENN ROSENBLUM: THE HOLIDAYS IN JULY Coachella Valley Repertory (7/28-7/28) |