The Bent's 'In the Wake' Explores Love, Politics and Life Choices

The thought-provoking play examines themes of activism, relationships and personal blind spots.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The Bent's current production, Lisa Kron's "In the Wake", premiered in 2010 but remains relevant today. Set in the early 2000s, the play follows a group of friends and family in New York City as they grapple with the contested 2000 presidential election, personal relationships, and the balance between activism and everyday life. Director Laura Stearns has assembled a strong cast, led by a standout performance from Kim Schroeder Long as the politically-obsessed protagonist Ellen.

Why it matters

The questions raised in "In the Wake" about handling political outrage, when activism becomes an obsession, and finding the right boundaries in relationships are just as relevant today as they were in the early 2000s when the play is set. The production explores these timely themes through a compelling character-driven drama.

The details

The play centers around Ellen, a Manhattan writer and political activist, as she prepares Thanksgiving dinner with her boyfriend Danny. Their dinner guests include Danny's sister Kayla and her wife Laurie, as well as Ellen's friend Judy. As the group grapples with the contested 2000 election, Ellen's near-obsession with politics strains her relationship with Danny. The play also introduces Ellen's childhood friend Amy, an experimental filmmaker, with whom Ellen develops a complicated connection.

  • The play is set in the early 2000s, during the contested 2000 presidential election between George W. Bush and Al Gore.
  • The Bent's production of "In the Wake" will run from February 14 to February 28, 2026 in Palm Springs, California.

The players

Ellen

A Manhattan writer and political activist whose near-obsession with politics strains her relationship with her boyfriend Danny.

Danny

Ellen's affable boyfriend who tries to keep things light but eventually reaches his limit with Ellen's political focus.

Kayla

Danny's politically-aware sister who is protective of her marriage to her wife Laurie.

Judy

Ellen's longtime friend, a 50-something humanitarian worker, who provides wisdom and perspective to the group.

Amy

Ellen's childhood friend, an experimental filmmaker, with whom Ellen develops a complicated connection.

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What they’re saying

“Nothing about that day felt regular!”

— Laurie (cvindependent.com)

“Why should I participate in a system I don't believe in?”

— Judy (cvindependent.com)

What’s next

The Bent's production of "In the Wake" will continue its run through February 28, 2026 in Palm Springs.

The takeaway

"In the Wake" is a thought-provoking exploration of the balance between political activism and personal life, and the challenges of maintaining relationships and perspective amidst turbulent times. The production's strong ensemble cast brings these timely themes to life in a compelling character-driven drama.