FringeNYC Previews

But for the Grace...

Produced by Bob Jaffe

Author: David Eliet

Marty, with a big heart but mentally unstable.  He thinks he used to work for secretive government agencies. Bobby, eight years old and embarrassed that his mother has to come to the food pantry. He's afraid his best friend, Jason, will find out. Victor Kronenberg, who used to be a short haul truck driver. His body is now being ravaged by Parkinson's disease. These are three of the eleven characters whom I portray in But for the Grace…. The play is based upon nearly a hundred interviews with food pantry clients, volunteers, and staff, and tells the stories of those who are forced to rely on food pantries to put food on their tables. Commissioned by the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, But for the Grace… was written and directed by David Eliet. In my many performances in many cities, audiences have laughed and been moved to tears.  Mostly, however, they are passionate to know what can be done.

In this time — in this economy, the need is greater than ever.  Food banks and food pantries are in short supply; more and more people are finding themselves unable to feed their families. This is not a problem that just affects the homeless — far from it.  Most of the people portrayed in But for the Grace… are working people who just can't make it. Using humor as well as pathos, But for the Grace… makes us realize that the time for action is now.

FringeNYC is a perfect forum for presenting But for the Grace…  I performed at 2004 FringeNYC and was overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and supportiveness of the audiences.  When looking to take the next steps with the play, FringeNYC was our first choice. I was thrilled when the play was accepted into the Festival.

Photo by David Roy

Bob Jaffe, solo performer