Los Angeles Times - Recommended
"...The production, conceived and directed by Sachs, unleashes the power of well-crafted documentary theater. In the role of the father, Ron Bottitta reveals the way conspiracy theories have taken root inside the character's mind. A set of speeches, unnerving to sit through, unveils the self-fueling nature of true-believer madness."
Broadway World - Highly Recommended
"...The result is an unsettling reminder of how an average person can tip from sane to insane all in the name of good ol' American patriotism, crossing ethical, moral, and legal lines with nary a hesitation. The fact that this is an election year adds to the shrill anxiety FATHERLAND instills, knowing that plenty of Yanks already swallowed the Kool-Aid and are happy to do so again. The 70-minute show is the closest we want to get to that first month in 2020 again, though that is far from assured."
Stage and Cinema - Highly Recommended
"...Fatherland, based on this true story, is at once a courtroom thriller and a family drama with shades of political documentary. It centers on Jackson Reffitt's testimony against his father in 2022. Every word of the script was pulled from court records and public statements and deftly woven into a gripping narrative by conceiver/director Stephen Sachs, who calls his piece "a shout of warning in this election year"."
LA Splash - Highly Recommended
"...Verbatim theater has reached a milestone of excellence with FATHERLAND. And exactly what is verbatim theater? Conceived and directed by Stephen Sachs, FATHERLAND sports no writer’s credit – since every word in the play comes from court transcripts, podcasts, sound tapes, and other sources which documented the statements of the two principal characters as it happened in the true story."
Stage Scene LA - Highly Recommended
"...Words like riveting and gut-wrenching only begin to describe Stephen Sachs' ripped-from-the-headlines World Premiere docudrama Fatherland and the performances delivered at The Fountain Theatre by Los Angeles stage dynamo Ron Bottitta and remarkable L.A. newcomer Patrick Keleher."
On Stage Los Angeles - Highly Recommended
"...This is a Must See Event. It surpasses what we call Theatre to hear the actual words of the participants. Simple stage setting by Joel Daavid and lights by Alison Brummer combine with some terrific special effects to create an extraordinary production."
Night Tinted Glasses - Somewhat Recommended
"...The whole idea behind the new show at the Fountain Theatre is one of vast promise. Conceived and directed by Stephen Sachs, and titled Fatherland, it recounts a true story using nothing but court records and public statements. It focuses upon a Son (Patrick Keleher) who feels the need to turn in his own Father (Ron Bottitta) to the FBI for taking part in the January 6 Insurrection."
Showmag - Highly Recommended
"...If somehow you missed any of the hullaballoo surrounding the march on the Capital on January 6, Fatherland at the Fountain Theatre provides a harrowing recap, helmed by Artistic Director, Stephen Sachs and featuring a chilling performance by Ron Bottitta as “Father”. What is most disturbing, every word is taken from court transcripts, confiscated taped conversations, and television coverage."
Stage Raw - Highly Recommended
"...As director, Sachs has skillfully fashioned a whirlwind of a piece, punctuated by explosive segments and with a sometimes understated, yet starkly real ambience. A palpable air of tension permeates the proceedings, and we know we are witnessing life-changing events."
Ticket Holders LA - Highly Recommended
"...And so, Fatherland might indeed be Sachs’ crowning achievement while helming the Fountain and nothing could be more celebratory. Created as a “verbatim play,” meaning every word spoken and all situations presented in the script come from actual court transcripts and testimony, interviews with the real people involved, and public statements, it provides a riveting, unsettling experience that will hopefully (intentionally) haunt us all as we watch the current unconscionable election season unfold in our poor befouled country besieged from within."
Larchmont Buzz - Highly Recommended
"...Sachs is going out with a powerful piece of theater that adds detail and nuance to the news coverage of a son who put his country before his father. Fatherland, cleverly designed around the spine of the court hearing, shows off the talents of father and son (unnamed in the play) Ron Bottitta and Patrick Keleher. Both give strong, emotional performances."
The Hollywood Times - Highly Recommended
"...Sunday February 25 was the opening night of a new play Fatherland at the Fountain Theatre in Hollywood. This insightful and timely play conceived and directed by Fountain Theatre director Stephen Sachs is a heartbreaking account of a family tragedy based on the true story of a son who turned in his own father for the January 6 attack on the Capitol."
