“Where I Come From,” is a new solo play written and performed by Jerry Metzker with direction by Robert Lucchesi. Featured in the 2026 Midtown International Theatre Festival in New York, the production follows the experiences of 19-year-old Fergus Maloney, who flees famine-plagued Ireland in 1847 for a new life in New York City. The play begins in Ireland, takes Fergus across the North Atlantic to South Street Seaport and then continues with him as he tries to settle into a new life as a refugee in New York. Throughout his journey, Fergus faces deprivation, loss, anger, helplessness, uncertainty and hope. There will be three performances of the play: 1) Monday, June 15, 2026 at 6:00pm; 2) Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 9:00pm; and 3) Friday, June 19, 2026 at 6:00pm. All performances take place at the American Theatre for Actors.

Jerry Metzker (he/him/his) is a San Francisco Bay Area-based playwright, solo performer, director, dramaturg and theater creator. As a playwright, he has presented a number of short and long solo and ensemble plays, including “This Guy: Cards, Bowling, Family & Music,” "Your Guardian Angel Is Exhausted," "Mercy Buckets," "His Heart Belongs to Me" and “It’s Just a Paperweight,” and held multiple readings and workshops. As an actor, he most recently portrayed the title role in “Terpsichore Speaks!” and danced in Nathan Cottam’s “All Men.” He holds a BA from Wittenberg University and MFA from Columbia University. Jerry is also a musician and a static trapeze artist. (www.jerrymetzker.com)

“Where I Come From” premiered in the San Francisco Playground Free-Play Festival in 2024.

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