JQA

by Aaron Posner

JQA uses the life and times of our sixth President, John Quincy Adams, to explore current issues about Government, Leadership, and the nature of the American Democracy and American Identity. Organized as a series of dialogues between John Quincy Adams and other dignitaries and family members over the course of his long and extraordinary life, it is as much an inquiry as it is a play. It's premier at Arena Stage...

JQA uses the life and times of our sixth President, John Quincy Adams, to explore current issues about Government, Leadership, and the nature of the American Democracy and American Identity. Organized as a series of dialogues between John Quincy Adams and other dignitaries and family members over the course of his long and extraordinary life, it is as much an inquiry as it is a play. It's premier at Arena Stage in 2019 was applauded by audiences and critics, and was a sold-out success.

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JQA

Recommended by

  • James Perry: JQA

    "JQA" is a masterfully crafted play that spans the lifetime of John Quincy Adams, from his diplomatic endeavors to his presidency, capturing the personal sacrifices and ethical dilemmas faced by a man dedicated to public service. The play explores themes of governance, familial relationships, leadership, morality, and the enduring struggle for justice. Each scene contributes to the overarching themes, building a comprehensive portrait of a man grappling with his convictions and responsibilities. Prepare to be inspired, entertained, and provoked by this outstanding piece of theatre!

    "JQA" is a masterfully crafted play that spans the lifetime of John Quincy Adams, from his diplomatic endeavors to his presidency, capturing the personal sacrifices and ethical dilemmas faced by a man dedicated to public service. The play explores themes of governance, familial relationships, leadership, morality, and the enduring struggle for justice. Each scene contributes to the overarching themes, building a comprehensive portrait of a man grappling with his convictions and responsibilities. Prepare to be inspired, entertained, and provoked by this outstanding piece of theatre!

  • Michael Cotey: JQA

    A highly theatrical, necessary interrogation of our country. Themes of legacy, loss as a result of ambitious pursuit, and what makes us Americans resonated strongly with me, as well as compelling debates over what exactly makes America great, and how this democracy should be governed. JQA investigates how we got from the Founding Fathers to Trump, how the pitfalls and trials we are encountering now as a country are the same ones JQA encountered in his long life. This is the perfect play to engage with at a time when our country feels to be teetering on a precipice.

    A highly theatrical, necessary interrogation of our country. Themes of legacy, loss as a result of ambitious pursuit, and what makes us Americans resonated strongly with me, as well as compelling debates over what exactly makes America great, and how this democracy should be governed. JQA investigates how we got from the Founding Fathers to Trump, how the pitfalls and trials we are encountering now as a country are the same ones JQA encountered in his long life. This is the perfect play to engage with at a time when our country feels to be teetering on a precipice.

  • Lisa Dellagiarino Feriend: JQA

    I love theater and I love American history, so I am always excited when the two intersect in a well done way, and "JQA" is one such intersection. In addition to bringing these historical figures down to earth and making them real live humans with flaws and doubts, it also serves to remind us of how often history repeats itself and how many of the issues our founders struggled with remain unresolved, waiting for us.

    I love theater and I love American history, so I am always excited when the two intersect in a well done way, and "JQA" is one such intersection. In addition to bringing these historical figures down to earth and making them real live humans with flaws and doubts, it also serves to remind us of how often history repeats itself and how many of the issues our founders struggled with remain unresolved, waiting for us.

Development History

  • Type Commission, Organization Arena Stage, Year 2016

Production History

  • Type Professional, Organization Arena Stage, Year 2019