"I Went to Paterson" is about the heroin epidemic on the Jersey Shore. The show is created by interviews, testimonies, and stories from those affected including users, former users, family members, friends, and community activists. I explore the roots of the epidemic as it pertains to the Jersey Shore in addition to investigating links between prescription drugs, heroin use, and capitalism.

I am from Elberon, a small township located on the northern New Jersey shore. Over the past decade, my community has lost countless people to heroin. Most of their stories are connected to prescription opioid pain killers. According to NJTV, the heroin death rate in New Jersey is three times the national average. In five of the state's counties, the death rate from heroin overdose exceeds the number of treatment beds available per 100,000 people. Many of these counties are concentrated along the Jersey Shore.

"I Went to Paterson" has been developed through the Open Studio at Verbatim Performance Lab (NYU Steinhardt) and HB Studios New Playwrights Festival. "Paterson" is made possible though generous support from LMCC (Lower Manhattan Cultural Council) and the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs.

"I Went to Paterson" is made possible by generous support from:

I WENT TO PATERSON

Created by Ash Marinaccio*

Directed by Joseph Shahadi

Featuring: Ash Marinaccio*, Jessica Litwak*, Ryan Victor Pierce*, Mick Bleyer*, Cat Plazas, Jenna Krasowski*, Stephen Cedars, Anna Savant, Anthony DeVito, Kristin Cantwell, Alanah Allen, Jamie Saunders

Transcription Assistance: Michelle Chan, Jan Bentley, Luke Pearlberg

Dramaturgical/Transcript Development Assistance: Cat Plazas, Jason Wang, Alli Green, Jenna Krasowski, Ryan Victor Pierce, Mick Bleyer, Kristin Cantwell, Jill Melanie Wirth, Anna Savant, Joan Kane, Arielle Zaytsev, Matt Geiler, Aubrie Ferris

Interview Assistance: Atlanticare, Wendy Galbraith, Abby Ybarra, Jennifer Tornetta

*Appears courtesy of Actors' Equity Association