Superheroes and Other Men - written and performed by Jeff Oppenheim. Directed by Byron C. Saunders and Produced by Alibe Hamacher
The one-man play begins in the prologue with the actor, Oppenheim, finding himself
late in life in an all too familiar place – standing alone in search of heroes once more.
Armed with his creative notebook in hand, the storyteller seeks to gain a new
perspective on his life as a newly divorced man with now-grown and distant kids.
Searching for answers, he explores the boyhood need and obsession over
superheroes drawn from the comics, sports, and the silver screen. Throughout it all,
he asks, “what is wrong with our boys?” He wonders why it is his gender that seeks
out these makebelieve heroes. And why battling, conflict and competition seem so
inherent to the scenarios we are drawn to and fed culturally.
The question launches Oppenheim into a deeper quest of identifying the real men in
his life, who, for better or for worse, influenced him in his transition from boyhood to
manhood and ultimately to fatherhood. As he rereads portions of his journals from
when his ex-wife was pregnant with their first child, it pulls forth memories of his
father, grandfather, stepfather, first boss, teacher, and even a boyhood crush.
With a signature playful and exuberant style, he brings each of these role models of
his past to life. He is determined to truly understand their super action hero skills as
well as their kryptonite. As he makes his way trying to prepare for his first child, he
decisively attempts to draw from their strengths and avoid their weaknesses that
might otherwise cause him to fail as a husband and a father.
In the final moments of the monologue, Oppenheim realizes that he must step away
from the past and trust that the hero or man he seeks to be is built within him
through the trials and tribulations of life’s journey growing up. And here again, in
standing his ground and moving forward to serve others, he can be that hero once more.
Jeff Oppenheim (storyteller) is an award-winning filmmaker. His films include: “Real Fake:
The Art, Life, and Crimes of Elmyr de Hory” (Gravitas); “Kuduro NYC,” winner Dance on
Film; “Absolute Funk” (with Reginald Hudlin), “A Passion for Giving,” (PBS); and “Funny
Valentine” (Universal). He is the host of “Tomorrow’s Journey” YouTube Channel.
Byron C. Saunders (Director/Dramaturg) is an actor, producer, and Obie-winning
director/dramaturg. As an arts management consultant, he helps artists and arts organizations
with grants, fund development, marketing, public relations, event planning and development. He
is an historian, committed civil rights activist and host of BCS Experience weekly radio show.
Alibe Hamacher (Producer) hails from nonprofit administration and project management. Her
credits include: lectures, seminars, and events. She is co-producer for “Tomorrow’s Journey,”
segment producer for “Politics and Religion,” and producer of “America at the Crossroads” with
the Washington Institute. Alibe is also the creator and host of “Alibe’s Sustainable World,”
Note: The link to the streaming show will be provided the day of the shows performance. There will be 2 shows during that time-slot. After seeing both shows, please click on the link provided to vote for your favorite show. You must see both shows to vote. At the end of the festival, the show with the most votes becomes The ONE Festival Winner.
*There are no refunds, thank you for your support!
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