Swimming Up the Sun

by Nicole Burton

At age 25, the playwright set out to find her English birthparents, a Jewish father and a mother believed to be an artist. The adventure leads to a kaleidoscope of relationships with one dark secret at its center.
"A funny, sometimes bittersweet story that pulls us in and holds us as a traveler clutches a...

At age 25, the playwright set out to find her English birthparents, a Jewish father and a mother believed to be an artist. The adventure leads to a kaleidoscope of relationships with one dark secret at its center.
"A funny, sometimes bittersweet story that pulls us in and holds us as a traveler clutches a suitcase."
Adapted for the stage from Burton's book, Swimming Up the Sun – A Memoir of Adoption.

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Swimming Up the Sun

Recommended by

  • Aly Kantor: Swimming Up the Sun by Nicole Burton
    “

    I had the great fortune of seeing this piece read at the New Art City Theatre Festival. This is a moving and cathartic treat for actors and audiences alike, ripe with a stunning poetic sensibility that contrasts gorgeously against the very human story at the center. As it's based on real people and events, the characters are rich and specific, with distinct voices that resonate. While there is room for some theatrical spectacle, there are so many moments that feel viscerally tender - the warm, flawed relationships are the beating heart of this adoption story for the stage. Lovely.

    I had the great fortune of seeing this piece read at the New Art City Theatre Festival. This is a moving and cathartic treat for actors and audiences alike, ripe with a stunning poetic sensibility that contrasts gorgeously against the very human story at the center. As it's based on real people and events, the characters are rich and specific, with distinct voices that resonate. While there is room for some theatrical spectacle, there are so many moments that feel viscerally tender - the warm, flawed relationships are the beating heart of this adoption story for the stage. Lovely.

    ”
  • Ann Timmons: Swimming Up the Sun by Nicole Burton
    “

    Burton captures the complexity of emotions surrounding adoption/relinquishment in an achingly beautiful story of loss, love, and the enduring strength of ties that bind.

    Burton captures the complexity of emotions surrounding adoption/relinquishment in an achingly beautiful story of loss, love, and the enduring strength of ties that bind.

    ”
  • Jean Koppen: Swimming Up the Sun by Nicole Burton
    “

    This is a beautiful story full of poetic imagery and emotion.

    This is a beautiful story full of poetic imagery and emotion.

    ”

Development History

  • Reading, Pipeline Playwrights, 2018
  • Reading, Playwrights Forum, directed by Shirley Serotsky, 2014
  • Reading, Playwrights Forum, directed by Shirley Serotsky, 2013
  • Reading, American Adoption Congress Conference, Denver, Colorado (first act), 2012
  • Reading, Kennedy Center Page to Stage Festival, 2012