The original play “Unplugged Electric Guitar,” written and performed by Danny Rocco, is concluding its inaugural run at the Hollywood Fringe Festival with final performances on June 20-21 at Thymele Arts in Los Angeles. The 90-minute two-act play delves into the emotional turmoil of giving up one’s artistic aspirations, inspired by a real conversation Rocco had with his father.
The story unfolds through two pivotal breakfast conversations. In the first, Tom (David Gueriera) convinces Danny (Rocco) to abandon his writing career. Years later, Danny is given the chance to mentor a young artist and must decide whether to pass down inspiration or the fear that was instilled in him. Rocco describes the play as “the closest thing to a horror story I could imagine,” exploring the subtle cuts that drain artists of their purpose and the rationalizations that lead them to let go of their dreams.
Director Chivonne Michelle, returning to theater after a decade as a television actor, was drawn to the universal question of what it means to be a successful working artist today. “We all—not just artists—have deep moments of sadness when it comes to our work,” she said. “It’s a universal experience to ask yourself if you’re less than because of the work you do.”
Rocco began writing the play ten years ago to better understand his relationship with his father, art, and middle age. While the process didn’t yield concrete answers, it gave him greater empathy for his father and affirmation of his own path. “For me, an artist who has not given up, to write a play about giving up is both spiritually important and dangerous,” Rocco said. He noted that portraying himself on stage required revisiting fundamental acting techniques to separate his character from his real-life relationship with his father.
The play features a cast including Danny Rocco, David Gueriera, Nathan Norrington-Herr, and Jack Little. Tickets are $20 (plus $3 service fee) and available via the Hollywood Fringe Festival website. Rocco hopes audiences leave with greater compassion for the complexity of being a working artist and for those who make the heartbreaking decision to leave their dreams behind.
