The Pardoned: A Post-Punk Evolution

by Paula Kamen

Set in the idealistic Chicago arts scene of the 1990s, the play recasts the old debate about "selling out" and being authentic to a new generation -- in this present age when every aspect of life is commodified. The trajectory of the central character of Brad from punk rocker to MAGA consultant also mirrors that of J.D. Vance, with old friends being mystified in both cases about this evolution.

The story:
They...

Set in the idealistic Chicago arts scene of the 1990s, the play recasts the old debate about "selling out" and being authentic to a new generation -- in this present age when every aspect of life is commodified. The trajectory of the central character of Brad from punk rocker to MAGA consultant also mirrors that of J.D. Vance, with old friends being mystified in both cases about this evolution.

The story:
They say nothing has more rules than punk rock, and Brad, a former '80s punk rocker, relishes breaking every one. As a top MAGA operative, he sells out in the most spectacular way possible, risking his freedom with prison, and something even more cherished: his coolness.

In this comedy/drama, this evolution has an explosive effect on the relationships of his old Chicago friends. His close artist friend Madge, the main character, struggles to stay loyal to Brad, and preserve his lucrative advertising connections, such as using her old Riot Grrrl street cred to sell hormone pills to aging Gen X Women via Madison Avenue. Meanwhile, she clashes with her idealistic, socialist, non-compromising eternal-grad student husband to attain basic comforts, such as her ultimate life goal of central air.

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The Pardoned: A Post-Punk Evolution

Recommended by

  • Morgan Manasa: The Pardoned: A Post-Punk Evolution by Paula Kamen
    “

    This is a fascinating journey from punk rocker to MAGA supporter. I loved how Paula captures the nostalgia of punk kids from the 80s /90s, and how we tend to carry specific traits from adolescence into adulthood. The characters are complex and familiar, chances are at least one character will remind you of someone you know. The struggle of growing up and whether to grow apart is very prevalent and hits hard in multiple scenes. All in all, a very timely play that I’d love to see up on its feet!

    This is a fascinating journey from punk rocker to MAGA supporter. I loved how Paula captures the nostalgia of punk kids from the 80s /90s, and how we tend to carry specific traits from adolescence into adulthood. The characters are complex and familiar, chances are at least one character will remind you of someone you know. The struggle of growing up and whether to grow apart is very prevalent and hits hard in multiple scenes. All in all, a very timely play that I’d love to see up on its feet!

    ”
3M, 1F (more if for a staged production to have different actors for older and younger versions of characters)

1 Female, late teens- mid 50s
2 Males, late teens- mid 50s
1 Male, late 20s-30s

For two-act version:
3M, 1F with doubling. Or three additional actors can play the oldest or youngest versions of these characters

Production History

  • Workshop, Chicago Dramatists, 2024