A bright spot in a long, dark winter is the inaugural production of the Accabonac Theater Project, “This Land is Your Land,” running three nights from January 30 to February 1 in Hoie Hall, at the historic St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in East Hampton. Written by Jonathan Shoemaker, the first show is comprised of three fresh, new, and interconnected short plays set in the heart of contemporary Springs — General Store, Bake Sale, and Mystery Art. Directed by Tracey Toomey McQuade, Jonathan Shoemaker, and Nick Weber, the production features a stellar ensemble cast, drawn mostly from the rich human resource of Long Island’s East End. There’s generational conflict, love, an exploration of what it means to be an artist, and chaos from a few unexpected brownies at a school bake sale.
After a successful career as a freelance television and film producer, Shoemaker is writing his next chapter, literally. “It was hard to be away from my family for work, so I started to think about something that would keep me here and put my skills to use,” said Shoemaker, who has also been a board member of the Hamptons International Film Festival.
Immersing himself in what he calls the “dual heartbeats” of the Springs community, volunteering at his children’s school’s PTA, and joining the local fire department, he started writing about this microcosm, enchanted by the compelling notion of place as character and legacy. Like a creative archaeologist, he uncovered the hidden gems of local talent, starting with a reading of his play around his kitchen table, which led to staged readings in beautiful barns over the fall, expanding his audience. “It was the group of yes, and I just kept adding to that group. I realized the theater project wanted to be hyperlocal, not focused on getting famous material or actors in from outside.”
Part of the journey that has been most satisfying is in discovering the amazing talent among us. For example, with Tracey Toomey McQuade, who is acting and directing one of the pieces, Shoemaker said, “I knew Tracey from the film festival and yoga, and when we were talking, she said, ‘I was a theater actor.’ I had never seen her perform, and when she read, we were blown away.” He has also tapped into the community for production, including Andrea McCafferty, the White Room Gallery co-owner, as art director, and cinematographer Zev Starr Tambor as lighting designer.
Tracey Toomey McQuade comments, “I feel storytelling is so important, and it’s a big part of how we identify as a culture and come together. We’re doing it in a small setting, and it reminds me of gathering around a campfire instead of a big spectacle with special effects.” She was drawn to the theme of where we place value as a community. “When Jonathan first sent me the plays, I recognized his writing talent — it is subtle and nuanced. It shows that our heart is always on the line — even at a Little League game. I’ve also been impressed and moved by the people I’ve met through this process. It’s been a heartening experience for me.”
With all the global turmoil in the world, turning the focus inward fits the winter season. Shoemaker said, “For people who are used to getting second-hand stories, where drama and comedy happen somewhere else, it’s about what is happening right next door.” A local love letter.
For tickets and information, visit accabonactheater.org.
