American Lives Theatre Presents “Verbatim” Play about True January 6 Story Crafted Through Testimony and Interview

American Lives Theatre (ALT) is proud to announce the Indiana premiere of the critically acclaimed off-Broadway play Fatherland, written by Stephen Sachs. Opening April 17, 2026, at the IF Theatre, this production marks the first time a

major theatrical work exploring the events of January 6 has been staged in Central Indiana.

Fatherland is not a work of fiction. It is a verbatim theatrical experience, fastidiously crafted from court transcripts, public records, and media interviews. The play tells the harrowing true story of a 19-year-old son who made the agonizing decision to report his father to the FBI after the father participated in the attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Using the actual words spoken in court and in private, Sachs creates a high-stakes "verbatim" structure that provides a

chillingly objective look at a family’s collapse. By relying on primary sources, the play avoids partisan lecturing, instead

focusing on the explosive intersection of personal devotion and civic duty. As the cornerstone of ALT’s current season

theme, "Our American Legacy,"

Fatherland perfectly aligns with the company’s mission to produce contemporary plays that provoke conversation and reflect the complexities of modern American life.

"Remember how the phrase ‘brother against brother’ was used to teach the Civil War? Well, this is son against father, and it’s our current reality. This family’s story, which is 100% true by the way, is simultaneously shocking, riveting,

and familiar. This theatre company aspires to tell stories about what it’s like living in American right now. This play Fatherland is exactly that," mentions Chris Saunders, Artistic Director.

The production is directed by Jacob David Lang, a fresh and bold voice in Indy’s theatre scene. Lang comes to this project following his success with Another Medea, which performed to sold-out houses at last year’s IndyFringe Festival.

The production features a powerhouse cast of local favorites:

• Scott Russell takes on the role of the Father, bringing his extensive experience to a character caught between conviction and consequence.

• Matt Kraft stars as the Son, portraying the emotional weight of a young man choosing between his blood and his country.

• Joshua Ramsey and Jenni White round out the ensemble as the two attorneys, guiding the audience through the rigorous and captivating landscape of the courtroom.

Performance Details

• Venue: IF Theatre (IndyFringe), 719 E. St. Clair St., Indianapolis, IN

• Run Dates: April 17 – May 3, 2026 (Three weekends)

• Showtimes: Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 PM; Sundays at 3:00 PM; Additional performance Thursday, April 23 at 7:30 PM