Set against the backdrop of a world-changing moment, How Not to Make it in America is a gripping and darkly funny exploration of ambition, survival and disillusionment. Inspired by writer Emily Steel’s real-life experiences, the play follows a young Australian actor arriving in New York in 2001, chasing the dream of making it big.
In the days surrounding September 11, the protagonist’s life is irrevocably altered, as the shockwaves of the event ripple through his ambitions and sense of identity. Told through a fragmented, non-linear narrative, the piece captures both the chaos of the moment and the lasting psychological impact it leaves behind.
Performed by a single actor portraying twenty-eight distinct characters, the production brings to life a vivid cast of personalities, from hopeful newcomers to disillusioned professionals. It paints a complex picture of a life reshaped by circumstance, where ambition collides with uncertainty and fear.
Reflecting on the inspiration behind the work, Steel says, “I wrote How Not to Make it in America to explore the impact of 9/11 on a young person, far from home, who fails to process the enormity of it. It’s a story about resilience… and about holding on when things don’t go as planned.”
Both poignant and powerful, the play offers a compelling meditation on how a single moment can transform the course of a life.
How Not to Make it in America runs at Summerhall (Former Gent’s Locker Room) from 6 – 31 August at 21:20. Tickets are on sale here
