True West

February 29 - March 2, 2024

Austin played by Sam Steptoe ‘25 writes his screenplay.

The brothers discuss their manuscript plans.

The brothers’ mother played by Rae Merson ‘24 arrives back from her trip.

From February 29th through March 2nd, the Department of Theatre and Dance produced True West, a play by Sam Shepard. The story follows two brothers, Austin and Lee, who have been out of touch for some time, but come together to write a play about the “true west.” With many laughs, an abundance of toasters, and a heart-wrenching fight, actors Sam Steptoe, James Fordi, Jai Basu, and Rae Merson wowed the audience with their stunning performances. They really were “intimate with the prairie” in this family story gone wrong. 

Lee played by James Fordi ‘25 proposes his script idea.

Austin, Sam Steptoe ‘25, reveals his abundance of stolen toasters to impress his brother.

The producer played by Jai Basu ‘26 listens to the two manuscript ideas from the two brothers.

Photos Courtesy of the Theatre and Dance Department

Coverage by

Natalie Martinaitis ‘25