Art at the Abyss: Richard Vetere’s New Play 
Poet On A String
Explores the Dawn of Cinema
and the Death of Literature on the Eve of WWII

NEW YORK, NY — As the world stood on the brink of global conflict in the summer of 1939, a different kind of revolution was quietly taking place in a small house in Frenchtown, New Jersey. the AMERICAN THEATRE OF ACTORS is proud to announce the upcoming production of Poet On A String, a searing historical drama that captures the exact moment the American cultural landscape shifted forever.

Inspired by true events, Prolific Playwright, RICHARD VETERE’s new play, Poet On A String follows the volatile weekend shared by legendary poet Delmore Schwartz, his wife—the writer Gertrude Buckman—and the iconic poet, screenwriter, and film critic James Agee.

The Story: A Cultural Changing of the Guard
The play serves as a haunting snapshot of a world about to change. As the clouds of World War II gather, the narrative explores the friction between the traditional power of the written word and the rising dominance of motion pictures. Poet On A String masterfully depicts the consequences of film overtaking poetry as the primary medium of American understanding—a shift that continues to resonate in our digitally-dominated world today.

Production Details
The production features a rotating double-cast, offering audiences two distinct interpretations of these literary giants:

Cast A: Joseph Monseur (James Agee), Amber Brookes (Gertrude Buckman), and Sam Cruz (Delmore Schwartz).
Cast B: Dustin Pazar (James Agee), Elizah Hill (Gertrude Buckman), and Jake Minter (Delmore Schwartz).

Directed by Amber Brookes, the production includes Assistant Director Jonathan Beebe, Stage Manager Paul Maurizino, and Lighting Designer Jake Minter.

Performance Schedule
Poet On A String runs approximately 90 minutes with no intermission.
Week One:

Schedule Week One:
Weds 4/1: Cast A
Thurs 4/2: Cast B
Fri 4/3: Cast A
Sat 4/4: Cast B
Sun 4/5: Cast A

Schedule Week Two:
Weds 4/8: Cast A
Thurs 4/9: Cast A
Fri 4/10: Cast B
Sat 4/11: Cast B
Sun 4/12: Cast B

WEDNESDAY – SATURDAY @ 7:00 P.M.
SUNDAY @ 3:00 P.M.

Note to Audiences: This production contains adult themes, including intimacy, alcohol use, and smoking. It is recommended for mature audiences and is not suitable for young children.

General Admission $35+ Fees = $38.62

ABOUT AMERICAN THEATRE OF ACTORS: Founded in 1976 by James Jennings, the American Theatre of Actors is one of the most significant service organizations for playwrights and actors in New York City, dedicated to the development of new plays and the promotion of classic dramas.