Episode 216 Jeffrey Solomon
Jeffrey Solomon
Actor, Playwright and Producer of De Novo Podcast
De Novo Podcast: The Story of Edgar Chocoy-Guzman
"Jeffrey uses his boundless creativity and talent to illustrate complex social issues with the retelling of poignant stories of real people.”
Jeanne Pepper and Jeffrey Solomon outside the PeppTalks studios January 20, 2025.
Jeffrey Solomon is a theater artist and human rights advocate who co-founded the Houses on the Moon Theater Company, where he writes and directs plays. He is an accomplished actor, playwright, and producer dedicated to turning complex social issues into deeply moving and accessible narratives. His works include Building Houses on the Moon, De Novo Podcast, and Tara's Crossing. He adapted his documentary play DE NOVO into an audio drama that is featured on the Houses on the Moon podcast, available wherever you get your podcasts. Jeffrey believes in the power of verbatim theatre and documentary storytelling to create empathy and drive change. His work is centered on the principle that the most effective way to understand global issues is through the personal, poignant stories of real people, a philosophy that fuels his boundless creativity.
The conversation dives into Jeffrey’s critically acclaimed project, the De Novo Podcast, which focuses on telling the intricate, human stories often buried beneath headlines and legal jargon. The episode specifically explores the story of Edgar Chocoy-Guzman, a compelling true narrative that Jeffrey uses to unpack challenging social justice issues. Listen as he discusses the meticulous process of transforming court documents, interviews, and real-world events into compelling audio drama and theatrical material that educates and moves audiences.
Jeffrey shares insights into his unique methodology, where his skills as a playwright intersect with his mission as a social advocate. He explains how he navigates the ethical challenges of retelling vulnerable, real-life stories like Edgar’s, ensuring the narrative remains authentic, respectful, and impactful. This segment is essential for anyone interested in how the arts—specifically acting, playwriting, and podcasting—can serve as powerful tools for advocacy and for giving voice to those whose stories might otherwise remain unheard.
graphic art advertisement for the de novo play,
