Thorn & Petal: The Interactive Play That Makes San Diego History Feel Personal
San Diego theater is getting a fresh approach to storytelling with Thorn & Petal, an immersive production that transforms the overlooked story of Louis Rose into something that feels surprisingly relevant today.
This isn’t your typical historical drama where we sit quietly and watch from a distance—it’s an interactive experience that breaks the fourth wall and invites us to become part of the story.
Who Was Louis Rose?
Before the freeways, before the familiar skyline we know today, there was Louis Rose—a German-Jewish immigrant who arrived in nascent San Diego and became one of its earliest developers.
More than that, he was the city’s first identifiable Jewish settler, weaving his cultural identity into the fabric of a growing town. His story touches on themes that still resonate: arriving somewhere new, building community, and creating something meaningful from nothing.
Playwright Daniel Redman has crafted this story not just as historical education, but as a reflection on the universal experience of building something together. In a time when division feels easy, the play creates space for connection and shared storytelling.
What Makes This Different
The interactive element sets Thorn & Petal apart from traditional theater. Audience participation is woven into every act, making us active participants rather than passive observers.
We’re invited to reflect on our own stories of arrival, challenge, and community building. It’s the kind of theatrical experience that makes history feel personal rather than distant.
Director Dr. Katie B. Turner, who’s the Assistant Director of SDSU’s School of Theatre, Television, and Film, brings academic expertise to what promises to be an accessible, engaging production.
The cast of emerging local performers includes Hunter Katz, Braxton Bell, Ryan Yerger, Holly Hood, and others who represent the next generation of San Diego theater talent.
Why This Story Matters Now
There’s something particularly timely about exploring the story of an immigrant who helped shape our city’s early identity. Rose’s journey from newcomer to community builder speaks to ongoing conversations about belonging, contribution, and what it means to call San Diego home.
See You There!
Some stories deserve to be told in new ways. Louis Rose’s definitely feels like one of them.
📆 September 12–21
📍 1640 Camino Del Rio N, SUITE 129, San Diego
🎟️ Tickets available here
ℹ️ More info here
See you there, San Diego!
