The Lifespan of a Fact

The Lifespan of a Fact on Broadway Background

The play juxtaposes D'Agata's ambiguous view of fact with Fingal's firm black and white stance. Through much profanity they discover the limits of truth in literary non-fiction.

Based on the 2012 novel of the same name, penned by D'Agata and Fingal themselves, The Lifespan of a Fact makes its world premiere on the Great White Way. The book is unusual as it features D'Agata's essay "What Happens There" along with Fingal's hand-written comments and correspondence. The book was critically acclaimed and named a Top 10 Most Crucial Book by Slate. The renowned book was adapted for the stage by Jeremy Kareken, David Murrell and Gordon Farrell (Swim Visit) all in their Broadway debuts. Prior to this production neither Kareken nor Murrell had even had a play performed Off-Braodway.

The play stars Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying) as Jim Fingal, Bobby Cannavale (Mauritius, "Third Watch") as John D'Agata and Cherry Jones (The Heiress, "24") as Emily. The original play is directed by Leigh Silverman (Violet, Chinglish) and is running for only 16 weeks.

What's The Lifespan of a Fact Like?

D'Agata's essay "What Happens There" is commissioned by Harper's Magazine after the suicide of 16-year-old Levi Presley in Las Vegas. His piece focuses on the relationship between the city's unique culture and its attitude towards its suicide rate, one of the highest in the country. His piece is pulled when it is discovered that a significant portion of the article is factually inaccurate. As a result, The Believer picks up the story, but editor Emily wants to assign a fact checker to the project. Jim Fingal is assigned to the job and the two men spend the next seven years working on the essay. Although some of D'Agata's original inaccuracies were unintentional, many "facts" in the piece were simply made up by D'Agata. During the collaborative process Fingal brings up many profound questions including the responsibilities a nonfiction author has to its readers and the limits of creative license.

Is The Lifespan of a Fact Good for Kids?

The show is most appropriate for those aged 12 and above. Children under the age of 4 will not be permitted in the theatre.