Christine Rose's Blog

On November 21, 2025, Portland joins more than 600 creative resistance events nationwide as part of Fall of Freedom—a sweeping, two-day mobilization of artists, writers, performers, and community spaces rising in defiance of growing authoritarian threats across the country.

At Past Lives Makerspace, their monthly Open Mic Night is transforming into a special Fall of Freedom: Creative Resistance Edition, running 7–9 PM and open to all. The evening will feature spoken word, music, storytelling, readings, performance art, and acts of witness—each exploring themes of resistance, identity, memory, and the fierce insistence on staying human in a time of escalating political crisis.

And this month marks something extraordinary…

Debuting “Liberty Wept” — A New Icon of Resistance

Local artist, author, and activist Christine Rose will unveil her 6’3” reclaimed-steel sculpture “Liberty Wept”—a reimagined Statue of Liberty forged from scrap metal, welded by hand, and already making waves in the local press.

Earlier this week, the Portland Tribune highlighted the sculpture as a potent symbol of the moment we’re living in—a nation’s grief embodied in bowed steel and raw expression. Describing the work, the Tribune wrote:

“This piece reflects the deep collective grief and urgency many Americans feel in the face of rising authoritarianism and attacks on democratic freedoms.”

Built over the past several weeks at Past Lives, “Liberty Wept” marks Christine’s most ambitious metalwork to date. The figure stands with her head bowed—not in defeat, but in mourning—carrying the emotional weight of a country confronting voter suppression, book bans, propaganda, and the criminalization of dissent.

It’s a sculpture that doesn’t just “comment”—it grieves, and it warns.

Follow Christine on Instagram to see a timelapse process video of Liberty’s creation.

A Nationwide Wave of Creative Defiance

Fall of Freedom describes its mission in stark, urgent terms:

“Our Democracy is under attack. Threats to free expression are rising. Dissent is being criminalized.”
“Art matters. Artists are a threat to American fascism.”

Across the country, creators are responding. From galleries and museums, to theaters, public libraries, comedy clubs, cafés, and community studios, Americans are reclaiming art as a civic force.

Some events highlight banned books.
Others invite collective singing or political costuming.
Some gather in silence; others take the streets.
All of them insist on visibility, community, and courage.

And this Friday, Portland adds its voice.

Join Us — Add Your Voice to the Resistance

Fall of Freedom: Creative Resistance Open Mic Night
Friday, November 21
7–9 PM
Past Lives Makerspace — 2808 SE 9th Ave, Portland, OR

Whether you want to perform, witness, speak, or simply stand in solidarity, you are welcome.

Come experience the debut of “Liberty Wept”, connect with Portland’s creative community, and join a nationwide movement declaring that expression is not a privilege—it’s a right worth defending.

In this moment, art is not just art.
It’s testimony.
It’s resistance.
It’s freedom refusing to fall without a fight.

Step into the twin worlds of Black Cat Frozen Custard and its secret speakeasy, The Conspirator’s Lounge, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by the haunting creations of Portland artist Christine Rose — where fire, glass, and imagination fuse into something beautifully macabre.

At Black Cat Frozen Custard, among the hum of conversation and the scent of pumpkin spice, Christine’s scrap metal spiders, welded webs, and Gothic-inspired stained glass shimmer in quiet corners. Each piece feels alive, frozen mid-motion — a whisper of life captured in steel and flame.

Venture deeper into The Conspirator’s Lounge, the Gothic speakeasy tucked behind Black Cat Frozen Custard, and you’ll encounter the next layer of her dark reverie: sculpted skulls and moody watercolor prints of crows, ravens, and ghostly skies. Beneath the Lounge’s low light and vintage decadence, the work takes on an otherworldly presence — intimate, shadowed, and quietly alive.

Ensure you know the secret password in order to enter The Conspirator’s Lounge if you want to gain entrance! It can be found on their Instagram page.

Owners Jared and Rebecca, also the creative forces behind Portland’s celebrated haunted mansion-themed bar Dr. Raven’s Manor, have crafted a space where gothic elegance meets genuine warmth. Jared’s own recipe for their pumpkin spice custard and pumpkin spice latte pair perfectly with the atmosphere, offering comfort amidst the dark romance.

Each of Christine’s works on display is available for purchase, inviting visitors to take home a piece of this strange, beautiful world — a fragment of web, a glint of bone, a whisper of something eternal.

Come linger, sip, and look closer. The art, like the space, reveals its secrets slowly.

I’m thrilled to share some exciting news: four of my scrap metal sculptures have been accepted into Splendorporium’s upcoming Tarot-themed art show!

The selected works are (click each to see sculpture):

Corvus Machina (raven of prophecy and transformation — Death) Iron Widow (spider as weaver of fate — Wheel of Fortune) Forgotten (an abandoned guardian — The Hermit)Omen, the Midnight Scrapper (mystical black cat of the moonlight – The Moon)

Each of these pieces carries deep symbolic weight, and I can’t think of a better home for them than a Tarot-inspired exhibition. Tarot has always spoken to the archetypal stories that shape our lives—transformation, fate, mystery, devotion—and I’m honored that my sculptures can bring those themes to life in steel and fire.

I’m incredibly grateful to Splendorporium for the opportunity to be part of this show, and I can’t wait to see how all of the participating artists interpret the Tarot through their own mediums.

If you’re in Portland, please join us for the opening on Friday, October 3rd between 7-9pm. The show runs through the 30th, so there’s plenty of time to visit if you can’t make the opening. I’d love for you to come by, see the work in person, and experience the magic of the Tarot brought into the physical realm through art.

Thank you to everyone who has encouraged me on this journey—your support makes moments like this possible.

I didn’t expect losing my job to hit me the way it did. At the same time, in hindsight, maybe I should have.

For years, I felt useless at work. Like my contributions didn’t matter. No one seemed to value what I brought to the table, and the harder I tried, the more invisible I became. It was like being in a toxic relationship—knowing it was bad for me, but feeling trapped. I told myself I couldn’t leave because who would hire me at my age? So I stayed, slowly shrinking.

Then I was laid off. Four years of work erased in an instant. I had to sign an NDA just to receive a severance package, which was essential for me to survive the next few months while I planned to move back to the USA because they sponsored my visa. I had to move back to a country that was descending into fascism.

When the announcement went out, only one person in the entire company reached out to me. Just one. People on my own team didn’t even say goodbye. That silence cut deep. After everything I had given, it felt like I had never mattered at all.

The loss left me hollow. The days grew heavier and darker. I felt worthless, like everything I’d built had slipped away, and with it, my self esteem and any semblance of confidence that I could even be a technical writer anymore—that I’ve never been good at it or anything at all. I applied for over 60 jobs in the following months, resulting in a solitary interview—which I absolutely blew.

I was not okay.

So much more was going on during those last few months in London, too. In December, I fell off a horse and broke my arm on a long weekend in Wales. It was supposed to be self-care, to soothe myself after the terrifying election results, my hijacked play, and losing my job. Christmas, alone and in pain. Then surgery on New Year’s Day to get a metal plate in my arm. An impromptu, very expensive, week-long trip to Texas to visit my ailing mother (she’s doing much better). Lingering pain for months. Having no reason to get out of bed every day. I gained weight and couldn’t stand the sight of myself. Engulfing loneliness and debilitating depression. I was in crisis.

London, the city I love with all my heart, suddenly felt like a prison. I was stuck inside, struggling to heal, far from my partner in Portland, far from family. I felt broken in every way: body, mind, spirit.

Distraught leaving the City of My Soul behind, afraid I’d alway regret leaving (but I didn’t have a choice without a visa or any job prospects), I moved back to Portland. Back to my partner. Back to a safe home together here. My cottage garden. The cats, along with my adopted sweetie, Smudge, who my partner generously brought over from England.

And then something unexpected happened: I didn’t miss London at all. I missed my friends, but any thoughts of London and my time there over the past two years was just a pleasant memory. I was so grateful to be home.

I started taking Terzepatide and lost 30 pounds, and I feel comfortable in my body for the first time in as long as I can remember. Now I love the sight of myself in the mirror! Plus, it eased my anxiety, helped my digestion, improved my self-esteem, and erased my heat intolerance. After over 15 years of getting nauseous in the sun and heat, I enjoyed the summer! Even the Texas heat when spending another 6 weeks with my mother and reconnecting with family there.

Then I discovered welding. Sparks, fire, steel. The first time I picked up a torch, it felt instinctive, almost like I’d always known how. I began collecting scraps of metal, bending, shaping, and giving them new life. Each sculpture carried a piece of me—grief, resilience, hope.

In just the first three months of my membership at Past Lives Makerspace, I created 15 sculptures. Fifteen! Each one a reminder that even when I thought I had nothing left to give, creativity was waiting beneath the surface, ready to burst out.

Alongside welding, I started working with stained glass. The light, color, and fragility of glass balanced the heaviness of steel. Together they became a reflection of me—broken and strong, sharp and soft, heavy and light.

I had someplace to go. I had a reason to get out of bed. I felt useful and fulfilled and even joyful!

I never imagined that losing so much could lead me here. But I’ve rebuilt my life before—after my husband left, after the sexual assaults, after all the times I thought I would never rise again. And every time, I did. I fucking rose.

My value doesn’t depend on whether a company recognizes it. My worth isn’t measured by who bothers to say goodbye. It’s measured by the fire I carry, the beauty I create, the love I give and receive.

I’ve risen from the ashes before. And once again, like a phoenix, I’ve stepped out of the fire—scarred, but alive, burning brighter than ever.

Our democracy is under siege.

Donald Trump’s authoritarian behavior, in tandem by lackeys like Elon Musk, threaten the foundation of our Constitution. While a few democrats—namely Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC), Bernie Sanders, Al Green, Cory Booker, and Pete Buttigieg—have risen to the occasion, most in the Democratic Party have faltered, staying silent or flat out complicit with MAGA Republicans.

Let me say this loud and clear to all democrat leaders: This is not a moment for passivity, complicity, or timidity; it is a clarion call for unwavering resistance.

Playing Tiddlywinks Against Hardball

The recent actions of certain Democrats have raised alarms about the party’s commitment to its core values. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, for instance, has faced significant backlash for his handling of a recent government funding bill. Critics argue that his approach lacked assertiveness, basically conceding to the Trump administration’s demands. Prominent figures within the party, including Senators Michael Bennet and Elizabeth Warren, have publicly condemned Schumer’s strategy, emphasizing the need for more resolute opposition.

The democrats who voted to censure Al Green are traitors to their country and to everything it stands for. Shame on you.

For years democrats have been playing Tiddlywinks while republicans—especially MAGA—play hardball. Stop that. “When they go low, we go high” doesn’t work anymore—not when our very democracy is at stake. .

..and democrats wonder why their constituents hate them.

The Imperative for Unyielding Resistance

The Democratic Party must recognize that the GOP, under Trump’s influence, is not engaging in conventional political discourse. This is no longer a debate between left and right. This is between democracy and fascism. The GOP are playing a high-stakes game (hardball), leveraging every tool at their disposal to consolidate power and erode democratic norms. Democrats can no longer afford to engage in symbolic gestures or half-measures (Tiddlywinks); the situation demands a robust and strategic counteroffensive.

Strategies for Democratic Fortitude

Utilize Procedural Tools: The Senate’s rules are designed to protect minority rights. Democrats should employ tactics such as filibusters and long speeches (like the brilliant one by Booker), as well as unanimous agreements to stop extremist legislation. Prevent the GOP from advancing Trump’s agenda!Forge Grassroots Alliances: Collaborating with grassroots organizations can amplify resistance efforts. Groups like Indivisible have outlined actionable steps for delaying and defying the Trump-Musk coup, emphasizing the power of collective action.Hold Party Members Accountable: Internal cohesion is paramount. Democrats must demand that their colleagues oppose authoritarian tendencies and back others doing the same. No more of this shit. Publicly address and rectify instances where colleagues deviate from core democratic principles. It is essential. Engage the Electorate: Informing and mobilizing voters about the stakes involved is crucial. By highlighting the tangible threats posed by the current administration’s actions, Democrats can galvanize public support and increase electoral participation. Follow Bernie and AOC’s lead and LEAD the people in resistance. Plan (and join) nationwide protests like the incredible Hands Off protest that saw millions of Americans on the streets!Support Green’s Plan to Impeach Trump: This is absolutely essential. Trump must be stopped, and Democrat lawmakers are in the best position to do that—if they can find their backbone and muster up some courage. Step up for our country and for the American people. Fight for us!

(All that said, Trump has thrown all the rules out the window in many cases, so worry less about following the rules and worry more about defending the Constitution and American freedoms.)

A Call to Action

The time for complacency has long passed.

Democratic leaders must rise to the occasion. Show courage and determination exemplified by figures like AOC and Sanders. Be proactive and unyielding. They must fulfill their oath to defend the Constitution against all adversaries, foreign and domestic.

The preservation of our democracy hinges on the choices made today. Let history record that, in the face of authoritarian encroachment, Democrats chose to stand firm, resist, and prevail.

If you’ve been paying attention, you know that things are not, in fact, going great in America. The news cycle is relentless, the attacks on democracy are escalating, and the sense of impending crisis is impossible to ignore. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information, the constant scandals, and the slow erosion of rights and freedoms. That’s why I created America Is Going Great.

What Is America Is Going Great?

America Is Going Great is a straightforward, no-frills timeline documenting key events in America’s ongoing political and social crisis. It compiles major developments—legislative changes, court rulings, political scandals, acts of violence, protests, and other significant moments—into a single, accessible resource. The goal is to cut through the noise and provide a clear record of how we got here and where we’re headed.

Why This Matters

One of the most insidious aspects of our current moment is how quickly each new crisis replaces the last. Outrage fatigue is real, and it’s easy to forget what happened last week, let alone last year. But forgetting is dangerous.

By maintaining a timeline, America Is Going Great serves as a historical record, a tool for activists and researchers, and a reminder that what we’re experiencing is not random—it’s part of a broader pattern of democratic backsliding, increasing authoritarianism, and the normalization of violence.

Who Is It For?

Whether you’re an activist, journalist, historian, or just someone trying to stay informed without getting lost in the chaos, America Is Going Great is for you. It’s not about sensationalism or clickbait; it’s about documenting reality, however grim, and making sure the past isn’t erased by the speed of the present.

Staying Informed Without Burning Out

Keeping up with everything happening in the U.S. is exhausting. That’s why I update the site every couple of days, curating articles from reputable sources and organizing them into a digestible format. If you need a break from doomscrolling but don’t want to lose track of what’s happening, America Is Going Great offers a way to stay informed without drowning in the daily flood of bad news.

The Future of America Is Going Great

As the 2024 election looms and the threats to democracy intensify, tracking these events will only become more crucial. My hope is that this timeline can be a resource for those who refuse to look away, who believe that documenting reality is itself a form of resistance.

You can explore the full timeline here, and if you find it useful, share it. The more people who stay informed, the harder it becomes for those in power to rewrite history.

On closing night at The Hope Theatre last November, Sanctuary took the stage for the final time—at least for now. Looking back, that performance feels eerily prophetic. When I wrote Sanctuary in early 2024, it was a warning. Now, in 2025, it feels like a mirror.

Set in a near-future America, Sanctuary explores what happens when rising fascism, white supremacy, and unchecked male violence push society to a breaking point. Women seeking refuge in what should be a safe haven—only to find that safety is an illusion when authoritarianism takes hold.

The world of Sanctuary no longer feels hypothetical. The 2024 election came and went. Trump is back in the White House. The Proud Boys have been pardoned. Civil rights are eroding by the day. We are living in the kind of moment Sanctuary was written to warn against.

The play doesn’t offer easy answers. It doesn’t wrap up neatly. Because how could it? The fight against oppression isn’t clean or simple, and history shows us that silence and complacency are as dangerous as the oppressors themselves.

For those who couldn’t see the performance of this one-act version in person, here is the video from closing night:

If it resonates with you, if it terrifies you, if it makes you think—then it’s done its job. Because the fight isn’t just onstage. It’s out here, in the real world, where the stakes couldn’t be higher.

One year ago, during the London Playwrights’ #WrAP Challenge, I found myself crafting a dark, satirical play called Charming Charlie. At the time, it was my second play (Sanctuary being the first), and it felt like a necessary act of artistic resistance—a way to grapple with the terrifying possibility of Donald Trump returning to power. Now, as Inauguration Day looms and he prepares to retake the Oval Office, I’m haunted by how much of that dystopian satire feels eerily plausible.

Writing Charming Charlie

The process of writing Charming Charlie began with the gnawing fear of what could happen if unchecked authoritarianism took hold in the United States. “Charming” Charlie Aycock, the titular character, is a thinly-veiled Trump stand-in: a grotesque mix of con artist, mob boss, and charismatic demagogue. Through his bombastic speeches and chilling rhetoric, Charlie reflects the dangerous allure of populism turned authoritarian. His followers’ chants of “Where we go one, we go all!” mirror the real-life QAnon slogans that have fueled a rise in extremist movements.

In the play’s Inauguration Day Monologue, Charlie’s rhetoric combines absurdity with menace, mimicking Trump’s blundering speech pattern. His promises to close borders, pardon insurrectionists, and “eliminate the woke scourge” might have felt like hyperbole when I wrote them, but now, as reality edges closer to satire, they feel uncomfortably prophetic.

Inauguration Day Monologue

“Charming” Charlie Aycock’s inaugural address:

CHARLIE: 3 impeachments, 46 convictions, and 248 different (fake) charges—Liberal propaganda, that’s all. That’s all it is—They can’t keep me down! But I was never down. I stood tall. Through the witch hunts and slander. I stood tall and fought back, like all true Americans do. We’re strong. We’re stronger than those elitist, entitled snowflakes. We’re the strongest. I’m the strongest president to ever sit in the Oval Office, and today I’ll return to my rightful place there. Those snowflakes are crying in their corn flakes. So stupid to doubt me. Just stupid. I’m smart. I’m a genius. I’m the smartest president America has ever had—and the biggest patriot. Patriots are in control! Where we go one, we go all!

…Now that the country is mine again, we will do good things—the best things ever done for this country, and that starts by closing our borders. That’s right. My first act as president today will be to close our borders to anyone and everyone. I’m dead serious. No one can sway me. Congress, they can’t sway me. I don’t care what they say. I’m the president, so I can do what I want in my official duties—whatever. I. want. The Supreme Court has decreed it, so the first order of business is to close the borders. Keep all those spics and towel heads out. In fact, anyone who aren’t true Americans—born here—this is your one and only warning to go home. GO HOME.

That’s right. They’ll call this the Great Exodus because it’s great. Because I’m great. I will go down in history. I will be a great historian. That’s right—go back where you belong because American isn’t for you. You aren’t Americans. You are invaders, squatters, and we want you to go home. You will go home, or we will round you up and send you home. Keep ‘em out. That’s right. Keep ‘em out. We’ll build that wall. 20 feet high and another 10 feet deep, so they can’t dig under. That’s right—they won’t be able to dig that far! One across Mexico and another to the north for Canada. We don’t want you down here either. Nope. America is for Americans only. My first order of business, and this is the best thing any president can do on his first day.

So go. You’ve had your warning. You all have a week to get out before we come for you. Now. Construction of the wall—my wall, the best wall—will begin tomorrow and will be completed in six weeks. That’s right. That’s how many people we have working on it. Thousands of patriots. Thousands of Promise Keepers donating their time to build these walls. My walls, and they’re the best walls. They’ll be better than China’s Wall. American walls! Charlie’s Walls! That’s what the history books will call it, and America will be secure. I’ll be the first president in history to make his country secure from outsiders. No more dirty immigrants! The Storm is coming! Where we go one, we go all!

GO HOME. We say GO HOME. One week. You have one week. Okay. Next order of business: free the patriots wrongly imprisoned! Free the hostages! Pardon them. Pardon all of them! Any patriot imprisoned for trying to STOP THE STEAL last election—the election I won fair and square. I got the most votes of any president ever. Me. But they cheated. They stuffed ballot boxes. They bought off poll workers and election officials. That’s right. That’s what they did. They bought them off. They bought them off. But I’m back! They can’t keep me down. So–pardon all those patriots who stood by me. I told you…I told them…I told you all that I would pardon them, and I keep my promises. I’m a man of my word. That’s right. A man of my word. You are all hereby pardoned. Hear that wardens? Release the Patriot Boys now. That’s right. Go over with your little key ring and open their cells. Release them now. I have said it. I have spoken, and I’m right. I’m very right here.

Woke people…no protests! None of those for the pardoned Patriot Boys. For those fine patriots. Anyone protesting over this will be punished. Flogged. Arrested. The next in prison. That’s right. Zero tolerance. We will build the wall and eliminate the Woke Scourge, together.

In fact, I’ll go a step further—because I’m great, I’m brave. I’m the bravest president in all of American History. So brave. That’s me. Yes! Brave! I will rid this country of the Woke Scourge, so it is my honor—my duty—to invoke the Insurrection Act. That’s right! The Insurrection Act. You’ll all be proud of my courage, as always. We’ll purge this country of the Woke Scourge—hashtag #WokeScourge. That’s right. #WokeScurge. We must stop them. They’re more violent than ever, so we must act now! They want to emasculate us, to deny what’s rightfully ours, to destroy our very way of life. Take our guns away and make us defenseless. They’ll be the defenseless ones. Patriots are in control! We are the Storm! Where we go one, we go all!

Patriots, I call on you to fight the war here at home. You are my army, my private army—my keepers of the peace, defenders of the constitution—and we stand tall for freedom and liberty together. Fight for us. U.S. That’s how you spell us, right? U.S. I made that connection. No one else has ever made the connection but me. I’m a genius in that way. Everyone knows, but they won’t say it. They won’t ever admit my genius. This is about us—U.S.! Protecting us! So, take up arms, soldiers! Your second amendment right! This is not the time to back and stand by. These anti-American traitors—these terrorists—have tried to overtake us, but we have remained strong. I’m the strongest and smartest president in American history. You know it—so take up your arms! It’s time to fight! Fight for freedom! Fight for liberty. Fight for justice for all….for us. For U.S.! You and me. For me. For mostly me. Fight for me!

That’s right. Fight for me. Eliminate the #WokeScurge. Take down Antifa. Round them up! I’ll build special camps just for them—re-education centers to unbrainwash them. Give them a chance to become good Americans. Fine Americans like all of you.

Fight for me. Round them up. Anyway you can. There are no consequences. This is a direct order from your commanding officer. Fight for our freedom.
One people. One Nation. One Leader.

A Chilling Reflection of the Present

When I revisit this monologue, I can’t help but wonder how many of these “predictions” will manifest in the coming days and months. The play’s satirical edge now feels like a sharp critique of where we’re headed if vigilance and resistance wane. Charlie’s unchecked bravado and his followers’ unyielding devotion mirror the fervor of today’s political landscape, where facts are often dismissed as fake news and authoritarian tendencies are justified as patriotism.

Why Charming Charlie Matters Now

As a playwright, my goal is to provoke thought and spark conversation. Charming Charlie isn’t just a cautionary tale; it’s a call to action. It asks us to examine how we’ve arrived at this moment and, more importantly, what we can do to prevent the descent into further chaos. Through its characters, who range from activists and journalists to unwitting accomplices, the play explores the complexities of resistance in a time when the truth itself is under siege.

Moving Forward

This Monday, as the nation witnesses another Inauguration Day, I’ll be reflecting on Charming Charlie and the power of storytelling as a form of resistance. I’ll also be watching—perhaps with a mix of dread and determination—to see which elements of my satire blur into reality.

What are your thoughts? Are you seeing parallels between fiction and reality? How do we, as artists and citizens, fight back against the encroaching tide of authoritarianism?

Let’s keep the conversation going.

Theatre is a collaborative art form, where every role contributes to the final piece. But clear boundaries must exist—especially between the playwright and director. The playwright creates the script, the foundation of the production. Directors interpret and stage it, often suggesting edits, but the ultimate authority over the script remains with the playwright.

Or at least, that’s how it’s supposed to work.

As both the playwright and producer of my first play, Sanctuary, I discovered how devastating it can be when those boundaries are ignored. My director made unauthorised changes to the script, froze me out of the process, and created confusion among the cast. These actions not only undermined the production but also diminished the impact of my play.

“You own everything that happened to you. Tell your stories. If people wanted you to write warmly about them, they should have behaved better.” ~Anne Lamott

The Timeline of Disregard

The trouble began weeks before rehearsals started. Without authorization, the director retyped my story with cuts and new lines inserted, delivering it to me while I was on holiday.

Just sit with that for a moment.

She spent time retyping my entire script in a different format using different software so that she could make extensive changes on her own—without my knowledge or approval. (By the time this process was completely over, she will have done this at least three times.)

When she sent her retyped script, I was aghast but remained professional and respectful. For the third time in the previous ten days, I reiterated my preference to do the revisions myself based on feedback and asserted that it was too close to production (mere weeks before opening night) to be doing extensive rewrites. Still, I took time away from relaxing with my partner (on our vacation) to annotate her “suggestions,” explaining why most of them didn’t align with the story or fit with the characters, but she ignored my notes completely.

At this point, I consulted with a trusted dramaturg and thoroughly researched the process, which all resulted in the same conclusion: fire the director. Foolishly, I couldn’t bring myself to do this without risking the entire production, so I made it clear—once again—that only I would make changes to the script. She apologized (again) and agreed (again), so I took a few of her “suggestions” and delivered the final version to the actors on November 1st, two weeks before rehearsals were set to begin.

Unfortunately, the director disregarded this agreement.

First Week of Rehearsals: I was excluded from the first two rehearsals. Leading up to and during this time, the director apparently distributed several unauthorised versions of the script with substantial cuts and new lines added.Third Rehearsal: Upon seeing the extent of the changes, I confronted the director for the fifth time about the importance of following the final script and running any changes by me, the playwright. At this point, I insisted on attending all remaining rehearsals to ensure no further unauthorized edits were made.Final Scene Butchered: The director had cut 95% of the final scene. Although I managed to reinstate parts of it, the constant changes left the actors confused and anxious about learning their lines on time. More cuts than I was comfortable with (and that diminished the impact of the last scene) remained in order to assuage their fears that they wouldn’t be prepared for opening night.

At this final point, I was literally willing to pull the plug on the entire production. It was only out of consideration for the actors, those who backed my Crowdfunder campaign to help fund it, and the audience who had already bought tickets (some coming from other countries) that I continued with it. I radically accepted the situation and that it was too late to change anything.

The show must go on, regardless of how it affected me… and affect me it did. Between this saga, the devastating outcome of the election, and a change in my employment status, I spent the past two weeks vacillating between intense, tearful breakdowns and floating through in a dissociative daze, numb—in survival mode, as my therapist put it. I was staving off complete burnout. Sleeping for 12-15 hours a night—or not being able to sleep more than 2-3 hours—and taking extra (emergency) anti-anxiety meds just to get through the days.

The director had turned this dream of debuting as a playwright on a London stage into a nightmare.

A Chaotic Process

The confusion caused by these constant changes derailed the entire production process. The actors were shuffling through pages, unsure which version to follow. They should have had two full weeks to learn their lines from the final script before rehearsals even started, but instead, they were scrambling to adapt to a moving target.

The resulting final scene—a crucial emotional payoff—was incoherent and unsatisfying. This wasn’t just a creative setback; it affected the audience’s experience and the overall reception of the play.

The Cost of Exploitation

The consequences of these unauthorized changes extended far beyond the rehearsal room. The director’s decisions to make unauthorized cuts to the script had far-reaching consequences for the production. What was originally written as a 70-minute play—a duration carefully crafted to allow the story’s tension, character arcs, and emotional beats to land—was reduced to just 45 minutes. This drastic reduction not only disrupted the pacing but also stripped away critical moments of character development and thematic resonance.

The truncated runtime was noticed by both reviewers and audience members, some of whom commented on the lack of depth and unresolved narrative threads. The emotional payoff, particularly in the final scene, was compromised, leaving the audience disconnected from what should have been a powerful conclusion. These issues would likely have been avoided had the actors been given time to learn the original, unaltered script and fully explore their characters’ journeys.

Instead, the constant changes and cuts created confusion and uncertainty in rehearsals, forcing the actors to adapt to a moving target. The result was a production that, while still recognised for its potential, failed to fully achieve the impact envisioned.

The reviews pointed out issues that stemmed directly from the director’s decisions:

Undermined Emotional Impact: The cuts to the final scene left the audience without a satisfying resolution after a pivotal event.Confused Characterisation: Dialogue changes disrupted the flow and development of relationships, making character dynamics feel inconsistent.Under-Rehearsed Performances: The actors, burdened by constant script revisions, struggled to deliver fully polished performances.Caused Inconsistencies in World-Building: Several of her changes didn’t make sense—from the way it now began to what was happening outside to come non-sequitur’s in conversation.

As the producer funding the entire production out of pocket, it was disheartening to see how these actions sabotaged the play I had poured my heart into.

What’s more, every compliment on how well-written the play was became diluted. Doubts flooded in—were they talking about my words or hers? Granted, most of (what was left of) the play were my words, but it caused me to second guess myself and my talent.

Lessons Learned

This experience was a harsh but valuable lesson in the importance of protecting one’s creative work. Here are some key takeaways for fellow playwright producers:

Stay Involved: Attend rehearsals to ensure your script’s integrity is respected. Absence creates opportunities for misinterpretation or overreach.Set Clear Boundaries: Establish from the outset that all script changes must go through you and ensure everyone understands this is non-negotiable. Interview your director and set this boundary from the start—if they balk, find someone else. If they agree but then do it anyway, fire them without hesitation. Be Prepared to Advocate: Speaking out against unprofessional behaviour is difficult but necessary to protect your work and maintain the integrity of the production.Trust Your Gut: If something feels off, address it immediately. Don’t assume previous conversations will prevent further issues.

If someone else is producing it, the director might choose to keep you out of rehearsals, but all script changes should still go through the playwright. While the director might have a different vision for the script—interpret it in a way that doesn’t align with the playwright’s intention—that’s their prerogative. Under no circumstances should the director (or anyone) be retyping and changing your script without your knowledge or express approval.

A Broader Issue in Creative Industries

This experience reminded me of my early days in publishing, where I encountered predatory publishers who exploited writers’ dreams. One author I knew lost the rights to his characters. Another was $10,000 out-of-pocket due to hidden “fees.” Just as these publishers took advantage of inexperienced authors, directors who overstep their bounds can exploit playwrights new to the industry. Both scenarios highlight the need for creators to assert control over their work.

Moving Forward

In the end, I’m proud of the accomplishment to have had my play come to life in a London Off-West End Fringe theatre. I’m also deeply proud of and grateful for the hard work of both the cast and crew throughout this process. It was an expensive lesson—both financially and emotionally—but I certainly know what to do next time—if there is a next time.

Although this experience was deeply frustrating, it also reinforced my commitment to protect my creative work and advocate for others facing similar challenges. Creators deserve respect for their labor and their vision, whether in theatre, publishing, or any other industry.

Despite the challenges, I remain committed to advocating for creators and fostering an industry that respects artistic boundaries. If nothing else, I hope my story can serve as a warning and a guide for other playwrights navigating their first productions. Collaboration should uplift, not exploit, the voices at the heart of a project.

The experience of bringing Sanctuary to life at The Hope Theatre has been nothing short of extraordinary. From the first read-through to our opening night, this journey has been filled with challenges, triumphs, and unforgettable moments. And now, as we near the end of our run, I want to reflect on what this production has meant to me and share some of the incredible highlights so far.

Two sold-out performances this week have shown me just how deeply Sanctuary resonates with audiences. Seeing the theatre packed with people engaging with the story I wrote has been both humbling and exhilarating. The audience reactions have been incredible—people leaving the theatre visibly moved, sharing their thoughts about how the play opened their eyes to the dangers of extremism and division. Here are some quotes from audience members:

“The play is moving and meaningful – never seen anything so ‘current’”“I was captivated the entire time and really believed both characters”“It was a thought-provoking show. It pulled you in from the start and kept you engaged throughout!”“The play was well-written, emotive, funny, poignant”“It was the best thing I’ve seen in a while.”“Fearless and compelling – it’s the gut punch theater needs right now.”“Incredible piece, especially if anyone really wants to understand the actual state of things at the moment over there…and what possibly could come”“It was a thought-provoking show. It pulled you in from the start and kept you engaged throughout.”

Press night was last night, so we’re expecting some reviews today. If the chatter last night after the show is any indication, we should be getting some nice reviews. One reviewer from Theatre & Tonight said in an Instagram post, “What a powerful treat to be able to attend press night for @sanctuaryplay at @thehopetheatre tonight.”

This week, I also had the opportunity to discuss Sanctuary in interviews with Green Room Reviews and London Playwrights podcast. Sharing the play’s journey, themes, and personal significance with these platforms was a wonderful chance to connect with audiences beyond the theatre. It’s been exciting to see the story resonate not only on stage but also in conversations about its relevance and the vital questions it raises.

But we’re not done yet! There are still three more performances to go—tonight, tomorrow night, and Saturday night—and tickets are still available. If you’ve been considering coming to see Sanctuary, now’s your chance.

The Hope Theatre is an intimate space, and its atmosphere has been perfect for this story of tension, survival, and fractured friendship. Every night, the energy between the audience and the performers feels electric, and I would love for you to be part of it before we close.

Thank you to everyone who has supported Sanctuary so far. Whether you’ve come to see the play, donated to the Crowdfunder, shared a post, or sent words of encouragement, it has meant the world to me. I hope to see some of you in the audience this week as we close out this unforgettable run.

Tickets can be booked via The Hope Theatre’s website—don’t miss your chance to experience Sanctuary.