“…a nuanced look at the current situation hounding American society and psyche…a taut, funny, and ferocious exploration of brotherly love…a parable for our time…”
— NJ Arts Maven
Two Brothers: lives divided, bound by blood.
One is a progressive writer, the other a convicted murderer and member of an alt-right prison gang. As estranged brothers, they face their deep differences and uncover a shared painful past. Can they heal their bond, or will their clashing beliefs keep them apart?
In this unique production, the actors switch roles throughout the run. Come twice for a uniquely riveting experience. Inspired by playwright Gabriel Jason Dean’s own life, Rift, or White Lies explores family conflict in a bold, visceral way.
Content warning: strong language, references to white nationalism, racism, and domestic trauma and abuse.
Instructions for a Seance director Lily Wolff returns to Amphibian Stage to direct this regional premiere. RIFT, or White Lies is produced at Amphibian Stage as part of a National New Play Network Rolling World Premiere. Other Partner Theaters are InterAct Theatre Company (Philadelphia, PA) and Luna Stage (West Orange, NJ). For more information, please visit nnpn.org.
Runtime: 2 hours with one intermission
Amphibian’s Tiered Ticketing Model
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– Low-Cost Ticket: $15 (Only available on Thursdays and Industry Night)
– Discounted Ticket: $25
– Standard Ticket: $40
– Pay-It-Forward Ticket: $60
Pay-What-You-Want Preview Performances and Opening Weekend pricing remain in effect.
Cast & Creative
Gabriel Jason Dean
Playwright
Playwright
Gabriel Jason Dean
Lily Wolff
Director
Lily Wolff is a British-American director and new play dramaturg/super-fan. She had the pleasure of directing at Amphibian Stage for the first time in SparkFest 2022 (Oleanna, Part 2 by Chris Cragin Day) and was thrilled to be invited back for their 25th anniversary season! Formerly the literary manager at Alley Theatre in Houston, Lily passionately ran their new play initiative from 2018-2022 until relocating to Philadelphia where she now freelances, parents, and makes ice cream. Lily has directed at theatres across the country, especially in Texas, including Alley Theatre, Rec Room Arts, Hyde Park Theatre, the University of Houston, the University of Texas at Austin, Southwestern University, Capital T Theatre, and Theatre en Bloc, among others. Previous directing credits include: Mrs. President (world premiere, Offie Award nominated), Wolf Play (Houston Theatre Awards “Best Play/Production” Finalist and “Best Use of/Design of Puppets in a Play” award) and Hurricane Diane (Houston Theatre Awards “Best Play/Production,” “Best Ensemble,” and “Best Director” Finalist), The Oresteia, From White Plains (Houston Theatre Awards “Best Play/Production” and “Best Director” Finalist), The Madres (NNPN Rolling World Premiere), Cry It Out, A Bright Room Called Day, The Effect, Fahrenheit 451, Lungs (“Best Direction” Austin Critics Table Award), As You Like It, and Gidion’s Knot. As a dramaturg she has worked for Alley Theatre, visual artist and playwright John Ransom Phillips, the Contemporary American Theatre Festival, Cornerstone Theater Company, New York Stage and Film, New Georges, and has read for the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize for several years. In the UK, Lily has directed at C Aquila Temple Theatre (Edinburgh Fringe), Theatre503, Battersea Mess & Music Hall, a hillside on Kerrera Island, Scotland, and on several boats at Cadogan Pier on the river Thames. Lily is a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin, the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, and pandemic parenthood… All my gratitude to Katie for creating this beautiful experience and for allowing me to live in it too.
Director
Lily Wolff
Lily Wolff is a British-American director and new play dramaturg/super-fan. She had the pleasure of directing at Amphibian Stage for the first time in SparkFest 2022 (Oleanna, Part 2 by Chris Cragin Day) and was thrilled to be invited back for their 25th anniversary season! Formerly the literary manager at Alley Theatre in Houston, Lily passionately ran their new play initiative from 2018-2022 until relocating to Philadelphia where she now freelances, parents, and makes ice cream. Lily has directed at theatres across the country, especially in Texas, including Alley Theatre, Rec Room Arts, Hyde Park Theatre, the University of Houston, the University of Texas at Austin, Southwestern University, Capital T Theatre, and Theatre en Bloc, among others. Previous directing credits include: Mrs. President (world premiere, Offie Award nominated), Wolf Play (Houston Theatre Awards “Best Play/Production” Finalist and “Best Use of/Design of Puppets in a Play” award) and Hurricane Diane (Houston Theatre Awards “Best Play/Production,” “Best Ensemble,” and “Best Director” Finalist), The Oresteia, From White Plains (Houston Theatre Awards “Best Play/Production” and “Best Director” Finalist), The Madres (NNPN Rolling World Premiere), Cry It Out, A Bright Room Called Day, The Effect, Fahrenheit 451, Lungs (“Best Direction” Austin Critics Table Award), As You Like It, and Gidion’s Knot. As a dramaturg she has worked for Alley Theatre, visual artist and playwright John Ransom Phillips, the Contemporary American Theatre Festival, Cornerstone Theater Company, New York Stage and Film, New Georges, and has read for the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize for several years. In the UK, Lily has directed at C Aquila Temple Theatre (Edinburgh Fringe), Theatre503, Battersea Mess & Music Hall, a hillside on Kerrera Island, Scotland, and on several boats at Cadogan Pier on the river Thames. Lily is a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin, the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, and pandemic parenthood… All my gratitude to Katie for creating this beautiful experience and for allowing me to live in it too.