Truman Capote's Story Lives On in New Play

Jesse Tyler Ferguson stars in "Tru," a one-man show about the iconic writer's fall from grace.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 5:22pm

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In a new play called "Tru," actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson portrays the iconic writer Truman Capote in the aftermath of the disastrous publication of a section from his unfinished book "Answered Prayers." The play, which is being staged in New York, explores Capote's downfall as a social pariah after he exposed the private lives of his high-society friends. Ferguson has spent years immersing himself in Capote's life and work to capture the writer's humor, heartbreak, and the enduring fascination with his story.

Why it matters

Capote's story is seen as an early example of "cancel culture," where the writer was publicly shunned by the same elite social circles he had once frequented. His willingness to expose the private lives of his friends through his writing made him a controversial figure, but also speaks to the public's ongoing obsession with celebrity scandals and the downfall of the rich and famous.

The details

The new production of "Tru" reunites Ferguson with director Rob Ashford, who first directed Ferguson in a one-night-only reading of the play in Tangier. The set is meticulously designed to capture the details of Capote's Upper East Side apartment, complete with hand-written guest lists, notebooks, and other personal effects. Ferguson's portrayal focuses on a version of Capote after his famous falling out with his "Swans" - the high-society women he had counted as his closest friends.

  • The original one-night-only reading of "Tru" took place in Tangier about two years ago.
  • The new production of "Tru" is running in New York from March 27 to May 3, 2026.

The players

Jesse Tyler Ferguson

An actor who is starring as Truman Capote in the new production of "Tru." He previously portrayed Capote in the one-night-only reading of the play in Tangier.

Rob Ashford

The director of the new production of "Tru" in New York, as well as the original one-night-only reading in Tangier.

Truman Capote

The iconic American writer whose downfall after the publication of a scandalous excerpt from his unfinished book "Answered Prayers" is the focus of the play "Tru."

Charlotte d'Amboise

An actress who appears in the new production of "Tru" as a series of specters haunting Capote's apartment.

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What they’re saying

“It's rare that you find that perfect fit of actor and role. I knew what a talented actor Jesse was when I invited him to come to Tangier and be a part of our one night only production of Tru. What I didn't know at the time was how well Jesse understood his subject.”

— Rob Ashford, Director

“It was interesting to go back and glance at them quickly just to be reminded how far you can go with Capote. I definitely revisited them briefly, but I had to keep an arm's length from them because I didn't want to psych myself out.”

— Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Actor

“He was a truth teller and he exposed people, yet somehow, he did it glamorously and also, he curated the way he did it. He didn't find everyone worthy of his pen, which I think is also really interesting.”

— Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Actor

What’s next

The new production of "Tru" starring Jesse Tyler Ferguson is scheduled to run in New York through May 3, 2026.

The takeaway

Truman Capote's story continues to captivate audiences, as his willingness to expose the private lives of his high-society friends made him an early example of "cancel culture" and speaks to the public's ongoing fascination with celebrity scandals. The new production of "Tru" allows audiences to explore the humor, heartbreak, and enduring legacy of this iconic American writer.