Public Charge

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About the Show

A world-premiere political drama directed by Doug Hughes.

Set across decades of personal and political transformation, Public Charge follows Julissa, who immigrates from the Dominican Republic to the United States at age seven. After rising from a Wall Street law practice to serve as a senior official in the U.S. Department of State under Secretary Hillary Clinton, she confronts the human and moral complexities of public service—deploying aid to earthquake-stricken Haiti, navigating immigration politics, and negotiating the release of a wrongfully imprisoned American in Cuba.

The play is co-written by former U.S. Ambassador Julissa Reynoso and award-winning playwright Michael J. Chepiga (The Rape of the Sabine Women, by Grace B. Matthias). Drawing from Reynoso’s firsthand experience in government, the script weaves a rare insider’s perspective on diplomacy, bureaucracy, and conscience within the machinery of American power.

Produced by The Public Theater, the production continues the institution’s tradition of presenting socially engaged new works that examine the civic dimensions of modern life.

Critic Reviews (7)

"Public Charge, an autobiographical political drama at The Public Theater, only flirts with Chess's flair in its mostly dry, straightforward proceedings."
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“Public Charge is a worthwhile look back at American foreign affairs, and how the tension between political appointees and career civil servants has long been one of the great challenges of democracy.”
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"But as the play's action moves from one impasse to another, there's little tension or suspense; mostly, we hear policy points and governmental positions spelled out in textbook fashion.'
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"Simply put, Public Charge is not very good theater, but as a docudrama, it’s an important work that deserves to be seen. "
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"Public Charge is a true ensemble piece, cast and tech combined. If the Tony’s had Best Ensemble, this would be my vote."
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“The machinery of diplomacy is still there, stripped down to its essential components. Whether anyone remembers how to use it is another matter entirely.”
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A wistful nostalgia courses through ‘Public Charge,’ a reverence for a recent past when Obama-era government workers epitomized competence and know-how to produce real if all-too-fleeting change.
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