Finding the Roosters
By Terence Patrick Hughes
About the Work
Set in mid-1960s New England, Finding the Roosters traces the painful unraveling — and unexpected rebuilding — of the Fine family. Richard and Evelyn are locked in a bitter divorce, fueled by Evelyn’s alcoholism and Richard’s emotional withdrawal after the death of their elder son in the war. Their surviving son, Oscar, is drowning in his own grief, clinging to Holden Caulfield, retreating into silence, and wearing his dead brother’s army jacket like armor.
Unable to cope with Oscar’s spiraling despair, Richard makes a shocking decision: he plans to have his son “disassembled,” piece by piece, and shipped off to a military school. What follows is a darkly comic, deeply human exploration of loss, denial, and the fragile ways families try — and fail — to hold each other together.
It’s unsettling, tender, and sharply observed, with Hughes blending absurdity and heartbreak into a singular theatrical experience.
Production / Performance History
Originally performed at the historic 13th Street Repertory Theatre in New York City
(The theatre has since closed, but its legacy remains documented by Village Preservation.)
Historical overview:
https://www.villagepreservation.org/2024/06/24/the-theatrical-legacy-of-the-13th-street-repertory-theatre/
Excerpt
The story, set in mid-1960s New England, follows the disintegration and rebuilding of the Fine family. Richard and Evelyn are in the middle of a nasty divorce brought on by Evelyn's alcoholism and Richard's emotional distance after the death of their elder son in the war. Their younger son Oscar has taken the death hard as well, becoming fascinated by Holden Caulfield and wearing his dead brother's army jacket. Unable to deal with the boy, Richard decides to have him disassembled, literally, and shipped to a military school.
Critical Notes
A piercing, darkly humorous family drama that sets absurdity against grief with startling clarity.
— 13th Street Rep Audience Response
Related Works
If you appreciated Finding the Roosters, you may also be drawn to:
Their Great Magic
American Yu
Inquiries
For rights or archival information: admin@terencepatrickhughes.com
Image Credit
Original production photograph (archival style), edited to reflect the tone and era of Finding the Roosters.