Richard Nelson's Election Play Series Captures Shifting Sands of US 2026

Richard Nelson's election play series, which began with That Hopey Changey Thing in 2010, has become a theatrical phenomenon, capturing the shifting sands of American politics through the lives of the fictional Apple family. The latest installment, We'll See, opens this week at the Public Theater, set on the day of the 2022 midterm elections.

Nelson admits he initially viewed the plays as "disposable" because they were tied to a specific time and place. But a Berlin theatre director's invitation changed everything, leading to global tours and a 12-play cycle that continues to resonate.

The Birth of the Election Play Series

Every November from 2010 to 2013, Nelson checked in on the Apple family, who live in Rhinebeck, New York, during elections and national anniversaries. Each play is set on the day of its premiere and mostly features the same cast. The series began with That Hopey Changey Thing, which premiered on Election Day 2010.

Nelson thought four plays were enough, but the head of Berlin's Schaubühne theatre saw them in 2013 and suggested bringing them overseas. Nelson was skeptical: "The very first line of the first play is 'Fuck you, Andrew Cuomo,' and no one there would know who that was." But the reaction was visceral, teaching him that "the more specific you are, the more universal you can be."

Why the Election Play Series Matters

Nelson's plays offer a unique theatrical experiment: they are written and performed in real time, responding to the political moment. This immediacy makes them feel urgent and alive, capturing the anxieties and hopes of Americans during pivotal elections. The Apple family's conversations around the dinner table mirror the nation's divisions and debates.

The series has since expanded to 12 plays, including two other family cycles set in Rhinebeck. It has been broadcast on television and toured globally, proving that local stories can have universal appeal.

Key Takeaways from the Election Play Series

• The series began in 2010 with That Hopey Changey Thing, set on Election Day.
• Each play is set on the day of its premiere, creating a real-time political snapshot.
• Nelson initially thought four plays were enough, but the series grew to 12.
• The Berlin production taught Nelson that specificity leads to universality.
• We'll See opens at the Public Theater, set during the midterm elections.

The Apple Family and the Midterm Elections

We'll See sees the Apple family awaiting the results of the midterm elections, continuing the tradition of capturing the zeitgeist. The play is set on the day of its premiere, which coincides with the 2022 midterms. This immediacy allows audiences to reflect on the political climate in real time.

Nelson's approach has been praised for its nuanced portrayal of family dynamics against the backdrop of national politics. The Apple family's discussions are not just about candidates and policies but about how political events shape personal relationships.

Comparisons with Other Political Theatre

Nelson's series stands out for its commitment to real-time storytelling. Unlike other political plays that may be set in the past or imagined futures, these plays are firmly rooted in the present, offering a snapshot of American life at a specific moment.

The Universal Appeal of Specific Stories

Nelson's lesson that specificity breeds universality is evident in the global success of the plays. Audiences in Berlin may not know Andrew Cuomo, but they understand family tensions and political disillusionment. This resonance has allowed the series to travel far beyond New York.

The plays have also been adapted for television, bringing the Apple family to a wider audience. Nelson's experiment has proven that theatre can be both timely and timeless. The background to this story is set out in Democrats' datacenter push risks midterm election hopes. A related thread runs through Awkwafina's New Apple TV Show Explores Family and Food.

What to Watch Next

As We'll See opens at the Public Theater, audiences can expect another poignant installment in the Apple family saga. Nelson has not ruled out further plays, and the series may continue to evolve with future elections. The shifting sands of American politics will undoubtedly provide more material. Earlier coverage in How Democrats' Datacenter Push Risks Midterm Hopes shows how the argument developed. A closer look at the same subject appears in Melbourne's Eastern Suburbs Shifting Demographics and the State.

For those interested in immersive theatre that responds to current events, Nelson's work offers a model. It demonstrates how art can engage with politics without being didactic, focusing on human stories that resonate across borders. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Whale Migration and House Prices: Australia's Shifting Landscape.

The play's exploration of friendship and desire is reminiscent of other intense relationship dramas, such as For Dolores, which delves into obsessive friendship and desire on stage. Both works show how personal bonds can be tested by external pressures.

Nelson's political theatre also intersects with broader social movements. Just as the uncommitted movement is winning elections and shifting political landscapes, his plays capture the grassroots energy that shapes electoral outcomes.

For those planning to attend We'll See in New York, consider a stay at the Golden Sands Ocean City hotel, which offers all you need to know for a comfortable trip. A theatrical weekend can be enhanced by a relaxing seaside retreat.