Bring First Generation to Your Community
A powerful new play that sparks conversation about identity, belonging, and the first-generation experience. Available for schools, places of worship, community organizations, and other gathering spaces.
About the Play
First Generation is a powerful new play by Kansas City writer Victor Wishna, inspired by the real-life experiences of young refugees in our community.
When high school student Ruthie volunteers in a classroom for newly arrived refugees, she forms an unexpected connection that challenges her assumptions about identity, belonging, and what it truly means to welcome the stranger. As the story unfolds, audiences are invited to reflect on empathy, resilience, and the many ways people find home.
Commissioned by Spinning Tree Theatre and developed in partnership with Jewish Vocational Service of Kansas City, First Generation is an engaging, thought-provoking production designed to spark meaningful conversations in schools, places of worship, libraries, and community organizations throughout the Kansas City metro.
Meet the Playwright
Victor Wishna is a Kansas City playwright, author, editor, and commentator whose work explores history, identity, and the human experience. His plays include Tree of Life, The Dreidel Players Present…Best Hanukkah Show Ever!, Thank You for Meeting Me Here, Written Off, DNR, and Shearwater. He is also a returning collaborator with Spinning Tree Theatre, having participated in Teen Writers Fest in 2023 and 2024.
Commissioned by Spinning Tree Theatre, First Generation was inspired by conversations with young refugees in the Kansas City community. Victor continues to champion the play's future, working alongside Spinning Tree Theatre and community partners to bring its message of empathy, belonging, and understanding to schools, places of worship, and community organizations throughout the region.
Why Present First Generation?
First Generation invites audiences into meaningful conversations about immigration, identity, family, and belonging. Following each performance, organizations may choose to include a facilitated discussion and educational resources that deepen the experience and encourage dialogue.
Produced in Partnership With
Jewish Vocational Service of Kansas City
American Theatre Guild
Spinning Tree Theatre
First Generation is presented through a partnership between playwright Victor Wishna, Spinning Tree Theatre, Jewish Vocational Service of Kansas City, and American Theatre Guild, bringing together the arts, education, and community engagement to foster meaningful dialogue.
What Critics Are Saying
"This outing feels like the first of many for a story that takes aim at the nature of storytelling itself... It's a must-see that's worth it if you're willing to engage."
— Brock Wilbur, The Pitch Kansas City
"It's impossible not to feel deeply invested in these characters. They're the type whose stories stay with you long after leaving the theatre."
— Vivian Kane, KC Studio Magazine