In Richard Vergette’s one-man play, Leaving Vietnam, war veteran Jimmy Vandenberg feels ignored and alienated by the country he has faithfully served, and finds a home for his simmering resentment in Trump’s slogan ‘Make America Great Again’.
In the wake of Trump and Brexit, Leaving Vietnam explores how the disillusioned and overlooked are attracted to the politics of populism. Its depiction of the personal trauma of war resonates with the experience of the soldiers and veterans of the wars in Afghanistan and Ukraine.
The show comes to Park Theatre after a successful Edinburgh Festival Fringe run in 2022 (theSpaceUK).
Jimmy Vandenberg, a decorated Vietnam war veteran, works alone in his garage servicing the classic American cars of his youth while struggling to forget his battle experiences. He can’t move on when his sacrifice is not acknowledged in a nation still shamed by defeat. When Jimmy hears Trump’s call to ‘Make America Great Again’, it speaks to his anger and resentment – and he is hooked. His new-found politics drives a wedge between him and his wife, but a chance visit by the son of a fallen comrade makes him doubt his convictions and leads to a moment of understanding and redemption.
Richard Vergette says, “Jimmy Vandenberg began to take form after I watched Ken Burns’ documentary series The Vietnam War. Jimmy makes choices I don’t agree with, holds views that are not mine and has had to face incidents I can only wonder at, but I think we dismiss him as ‘deplorable’ at our peril.”
Richard Vergette is a writer and performer. His writing highlights include American Justice (Arts Theatre, West End 2013), Pure (Mikron Theatre tour, 2015), Dancing through the Shadows (Hull Truck,2015), Dark Winter (Hull Truck, 2018), Hunt the Tiger (Arts Council funded R & D, Cast Theatre, Doncaster 2020).
Leaving Vietnam is at Park Theatre 14 March – 8 April
