Richard Nelson

Where I Come From Richard Nelson

WHERE I COME FROM is a play for young people to perform. There is no over-arching "message" to the piece, rather it is a play which explores the complexities and ambiguities of life. Writing from the Naturalistic tradition of Anton Chekhov (although in a very different era), Nelson uses a richness of texture and subtext to evoke the complicated circumstances of these characters' lives. Through our exploration of these "places underneath" we have developed an enormous sense of affection for the young people in this play--their resilience, their affection and generosity towards each other, but mostly their belief that the world should be a just and honest place. They are, as Nelson says, "heroic" in the passion, perseverance and curiosity that they bring to the struggles of life.

From the program of the premiere production by the East Norfolk Sixth Form College