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Wilton Manors Today
By the People, for the People
Playwright Ronnie Larsen's Absurd Spectacle Offers Respite from Trump Era
Larsen's honest and humorous plays provide a counterpoint to the dishonesty and dysfunction of the Trump administration.
Published on Feb. 22, 2026
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After watching Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi's combative congressional testimony, the author sought refuge in the work of playwright Ronnie Larsen, whose absurdist yet deeply honest plays offered a much-needed respite from the Trump administration's 'performative dishonesty'. Larsen's plays, which blend comedy and pathos, demonstrate the power of truth and integrity to counter the lies and dehumanization promoted by Trump and his allies.
Why it matters
The contrast between Bondi's sneering disregard for the rule of law and Larsen's commitment to truth and human connection highlights the broader stakes of the Trump era. As the administration employs 'lies and obfuscation to dehumanize others', Larsen's work serves as a model for how honesty and empathy can help us 'see ourselves in strangers' and 'recognize their suffering'.
The details
The author recounts watching Bondi, the 'titular head of American law', 'defecating on' the legal system during her congressional testimony, which the author found deeply upsetting as a longtime federal trial lawyer. In search of relief, the author turned to the work of playwright Ronnie Larsen, known for his ability to blend 'raunch with research' and 'comedy with deep pathos'. Larsen's semi-autobiographical plays, such as 'The Actors', explore themes of loss, loneliness, and the human need for connection, all while infusing the stories with absurdist humor.
- The author watched Bondi's congressional testimony last week.
- The author visited Wilton Manors, Florida, and saw a Ronnie Larsen play in search of 'comic relief'.
The players
Pam Bondi
The former Attorney General of the United States who the author watched 'sneer at the rule of law' during a congressional testimony.
Ronnie Larsen
A celebrated playwright known for his ability to mix 'raunch with research' and 'comedy with deep pathos' in his semi-autobiographical plays.
What they’re saying
“Critics call Larsen a prolific stalwart of queer theatre; I call him a national treasure.”
— The author (rawstory.com)
The takeaway
Larsen's honest and humorous plays provide a powerful counterpoint to the 'performative dishonesty' of the Trump administration, demonstrating how truth and empathy can help us overcome the 'lies and obfuscation' that seek to dehumanize us. His work serves as a model for how we can find dignity and connection in even the darkest of times.
