Richard Nelson’s 'We’ll See' Debuts at Public Theater Amid Midterm Exhaustion
Richard Nelson’s latest installment in his 12-play 'Apple Family' series, 'We’ll See,' opens at the Public Theater’s Barbaralee Theater this week. Set during the 2026 midterm elections, the play focuses on the exhaustion and instability felt by the fictional Apple family in Rhinebeck, New York. Nelson, who has lived in Rhinebeck since 1982, uses the series to capture national political and social shifts, moving from initial election-focused works to broader themes of migration, aging, and cultural displacement. The production runs until November 29.
Key points
- The play 'We’ll See' is the 12th entry in Richard Nelson’s 'Apple Family' series, which began in 2010 with annual productions tied to election days and national anniversaries.
- Nelson initially planned only four plays but expanded the series after international interest, including a tour prompted by Berlin’s Schaubühne theatre, and later added a Zoom trilogy during the pandemic.
- The current production addresses themes of migration, gentrification, and political exhaustion, reflecting Nelson’s recent travels to Paris, Kyiv, and London.
- Characters in the play discuss real-world events such as ICE raids and the White House meeting with Zelensky, blending Nelson’s personal observations with fictional dialogue.
- Nelson emphasizes that the play explores the consequences of political instability rather than predicting election outcomes, focusing on the human impact of 'constantly shifting sands.'
- The production features the same core cast from previous iterations, now addressing themes of aging, retirement, and downsizing alongside political discourse.
Background
The 'Apple Family' series has evolved from a local election-focused cycle into a global phenomenon, including a pandemic-era Zoom trilogy and international tours. Recent archive coverage highlights the contentious 2026 midterm elections, with Senate Majority Leader John Thune asserting Republican control despite polling challenges, and a controversial $15 billion steel plant announcement in Iowa that drew criticism for its timing. These political tensions provide the backdrop for Nelson’s exploration of national fatigue and displacement in 'We’ll See.'
Why it matters
Nelson’s work offers a nuanced, human-scale perspective on the 2026 midterm elections, contrasting with broader political narratives by focusing on the emotional and social toll of political instability. By integrating real-world events like ICE raids and international conflicts into a fictional family’s daily life, the play highlights how national politics permeate personal relationships and cultural identity. This approach provides audiences with a deeper understanding of the societal fatigue and displacement experienced during periods of political upheaval, moving beyond simple partisan debates to explore the complexities of American exceptionalism and individual resilience.
What to watch
The play 'We’ll See' will run at the Public Theater’s Barbaralee Theater until November 29, 2026. Following this, Nelson may continue the 'Rhinebeck Panorama' series, potentially addressing new national or international developments. The production’s focus on aging and exhaustion suggests future installments may further explore the long-term impacts of political and social shifts on the Apple family and their community.
Want the full story? Read the original reporting
Read on The Guardian