Internationally acclaimed multimedia performance company the american vicarious returns to London’s Stone Nest with the world premiere of Fight for America! - a groundbreaking participatory installation inspired by tactical tabletop wargames.
Set on the morning of January 6, 2021, Fight for America! explores the legacy of the Capitol riot and the gamification of American politics. Participants are invited to literally play out the events of the day - grappling with questions of division, democracy, and dialogue.
At the heart of this experience is a sprawling 50’ x 50’ game board featuring 10,000 hand-painted miniatures and a 14-foot-wide scale model of the U.S. Capitol. Guided by an enigmatic Gamemaster in the form of Uncle Sam, up to 20 players take on roles in one of two factions:
RED – vs – BLUE
Each side represents a vision of America in conflict - and must reckon with the fundamental question: What about America is worth fighting for?
Designed by UK-based game designer Alessio Cavatore (Warhammer 40K), the game is driven by uncertainty, improvisation, and real-time decision making.
Equal parts theatrical spectacle and political provocation, Fight for America! offers an unflinching look at the forces shaping - and shaking - the foundation of global democracy.
From 10 June: Tues - Sat, 7pm & Sun, 2pm
Stone Nest, 136 Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 5EZ
Duration: approx. 2.5 hours depending on gameplay
Snacks provided | Bar available
Access to exclusive previews and events available through our Kickstarter campaign
TIMES
From 10 June 2025
Tues - Sat: 7pm & Sun: 2pm
Running Time: Approx. 2.5 hrs
Age Recommendation: 13+
PRICES
Player Tickets: £30
Observer Tickets: £20
Save with code: FFALONDON
LOCATION
Stone Nest, 136 Shaftesbury Ave.
London W1D 5EZ
HOW TO BOOK
FAQs
What is Fight for America! ?
Fight for America! is a live, immersive performance centered around a large-scale tabletop wargame that explores the events of January 6th at the U.S. Capitol, posing the question: What about America is worth fighting for? It’s a participatory experience that explores political division, extremism, and the future of democracy through gameplay and artistic engagement.
What is a tabletop wargame?
A tabletop wargame is a strategic game where players use miniature figures to simulate battles or conflicts on a game board. Players move pieces, follow specific rules, and engage in tactical decision-making to achieve objectives. In Fight for America!, the wargame simulates the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol, allowing players to experience and reflect on the dynamics of political conflict.
Is Fight for America! partisan ?
The project is intentionally non-partisan and seeks to foster meaningful dialogue rather than promote any specific political agenda. Our goal is to examine the forces driving division in America and invite players to reflect on the state of democracy through participation in the game.
How does the performance work?
Participants can either play the game or observe as spectators. Players make strategic decisions, move pieces, and engage with the game’s mechanics, while spectators watch the action unfold. The entire performance is hosted by “Uncle Sam” and creates a dynamic space for reflection and engagement with the themes of division and unity in American politics.
Can I participate without playing?
Absolutely! You can participate as an observer. The performance is designed to be as immersive for spectators as it is for players, and watching the game unfold will offer its own unique perspective on the themes being explored.
How long does it last?
The live performance lasts roughly 2.5 hours, depending on the strategies and decisions made by the players. To enhance the game night experience, snacks are served and a bar is available during gameplay!
Creative Team
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Neal Wilkinson
Co-Creator & Designer
Neal is a set designer, visual artist, and production manager. His set design work has been presented at venues such as the Brooklyn Academy of Music, Lincoln Center, the Finnish National Opera, and Spoleto Festival, as well as other theater festivals internationally. As a member of the Builders Association from 2003 to 2019, he designed works including House/Divided, Elements of OZ, and Strange Window. His most recent set design was for Richard Crawford's One Starry Night, a magic show which toured China extensively prior to the pandemic. Neal's company Corps Liminis provides production management support and custom fabrication for international theatrical tours and museums. Corps Liminis currently provides production support for the SHED in New York City's Hudson Yards, most recently on the experiential installation Particular Matter(s) by Tomas Saraceno.
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Christopher McElroen
Co-Creator & Director
Founding Artistic Director of the american vicarious. Christopher's most recent project, Debate: Baldwin vs Buckley, premiered in London's West End in 2023 and is currently touring through 2025. In collaboration with six-time Grammy Award nominee Gerald Clayton, Christopher developed and directed Piedmont Blues: A Search for Salvation, which was presented at Harlem Stage in June 2022. Christopher received a Helen Hayes Award for his direction of the world premiere stage adaptation of Ralph Ellison's iconic novel Invisible Man. Christopher had the honor of directing 51st (dream) State, the final work of poet, musician, and activist Sekou Sundiata, which premiered at BAM's Next Wave Festival. Alongside visual artist Paul Chan, actor Wendell Pierce, and Creative Time, Christopher co-produced and directed Waiting for Godot in New Orleans, a year-long community development through the arts initiative in post-Katrina New Orleans. The archives from the production were acquired into the permanent collection of The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA).
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Alessio Cavatore
Game Designer
Alessio Cavatore is an iconic game designer whose work has left a lasting impact on the world of tabletop gaming. His contributions to legendary titles such as Warhammer Fantasy Battle, Warhammer 40,000, and The Lord of the Rings Strategy Battle Game have helped shape the modern landscape of wargaming, earning him a place among the industry's most influential figures. In 2010, Alessio co-founded River Horse (Europe) Ltd, where he served as Managing Director until 2024. This venture allowed him to focus on creating and publishing games of his own design, including the critically acclaimed Labyrinth: The Board Game and Tails of Equestria: The My Little Pony Roleplaying Game. Alessio's expertise has also been sought by other companies, resulting in his contributions to beloved games such as Kings of War for Mantic Games and Bolt Action for Warlord Games. His innovative mechanics and narrative-driven designs have consistently elevated the gaming experience, making his work a source of inspiration for players and designers alike. Beyond his creative achievements, Alessio's dedication to the craft of game design continues to enrich the gaming community, ensuring his influence will be felt for generations to come.
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