Where Do We Live

Synopsis

New York City, 2001. A gritty urban landscape where lives intersect and collide against the backdrop of a nation on the brink of change.

Stephen, a young gay writer, navigates the complexities of urban life in Christopher Shinn’s provocative play Where Do We Live. As Stephen grapples with his relationship with boyfriend Tyler and befriends his neighbours—including Shed, a young black drug dealer, and Timothy, Shed’s disabled uncle—the play explores the intricate web of connections and disconnections in a diverse city. Through a series of intense encounters and conversations, Shinn delves into themes of class, race, sexuality, and urban isolation, set against the looming shadow of 9/11.

The play unfolds through a series of vignettes that highlight the characters’ struggles with identity, purpose, and belonging in a fractured society. As Stephen’s idealism clashes with the harsh realities of his neighbours’ lives, the audience is challenged to consider the barriers that divide us and the shared humanity that connects us. Shinn’s unflinching portrayal of New York’s diverse population raises uncomfortable questions about privilege, empathy, and the possibility of genuine connection across social divides. As the characters’ lives intertwine and unravel in the wake of national tragedy, the play asks: In a world of increasing polarisation and fear, how do we find common ground and create a sense of community?