Exploring "we are continuous"
- 01/15/2025
As we prepare to bring Harrison David Rivers' profoundly moving play, We Are Continuous, to the Uptown Players stage this February, I wanted to share why this story matters and feels especially vital right now. This isn’t just a play; it’s a deeply personal exploration of family, identity, and the unspoken bonds that hold us together—even when those bonds are tested.
A Story Rooted in Truth
At its heart, We Are Continuous is about relationships: between a mother and her son, a husband and his partner, and, ultimately, the relationship we have with ourselves. Rivers offers an unflinching glimpse into a family grappling with acceptance and understanding. The dialogue is as sharp as it is tender, weaving humor and heartbreak into a seamless narrative that feels like eavesdropping on a conversation you’ve had—or perhaps one you wish you had.
This play challenges what love and support look like when faced with uncomfortable truths. It explores the friction between generational expectations and the realities of living authentically.
Themes That Resonate
What struck me most while reading the script is how Rivers captures the complexities of being queer in a family steeped in traditional values. There’s no villain here—just people doing their best to navigate an emotional minefield. The mother’s internal conflict, the father’s retreat into silence, and the son’s struggle for acceptance all feel achingly real.
In today’s climate, where LGBTQ+ rights remain a topic of heated debate, We Are Continuous reminds us of the power of personal stories to change hearts and minds. While it isn’t a political play, it is deeply political in its humanity. It invites audiences to sit with discomfort, examine their own biases, and leave with a renewed sense of compassion.
Bringing It to Life
From a production standpoint, We Are Continuous is both a gift and a challenge. The writing demands authenticity, and our cast—a trio of exceptional talents—is more than up to the task. This is a play that thrives on subtlety and connection, where every glance and pause carries weight.
Our creative team has embraced the emotional depth of this piece, crafting visuals and soundscapes that complement its themes. The simplicity of the setting ensures the characters remain the focus, reminding us that the real drama lies in their words and actions.
Why You Should See It
We Are Continuous isn’t just a story about being queer; it’s a story about being human. It’s about the courage to speak your truth and the grace to hear someone else’s. Whether you see yourself in these characters or find your perspective widened by them, this play will resonate long after the curtain falls.
As a producer, I’m proud to present a piece that embodies Uptown Players’ mission of creating meaningful and inclusive theater. And as an audience member, I’m thrilled to share this journey with you.
Join us this February as we bring this beautiful, challenging, and ultimately hopeful story to life. Let’s celebrate the ways in which we are all, in our own ways, continuous.
See you at the theater!
Craig Lynch
Co-Executive Producer