Defected

A comedic thriller by Amy Staats

30 years ago , after promising her little sister she’d always take care of her, 16-year-old olympic bronze medalist MARIA POPOV defects to America with her coach during the 1980 Moscow Olympics. He extorts money from her, tells her he loves her, then abandons her at a Motel 6 in Fresno.He extorts her from money, tells her he loves her, then abandons her at a Motel 6 in Fresno. 

But Maria didn’t crumble. She THRIVED.

She now owns MARIA’S GYM in Yolo County CA, and has a gymnast who she thinks can go all the way. Until her sister shows up on her doorstep, on the run from the FSB, and Maria’s quiet existence is suddenly and forever changed. 

SIX FEET UNDER meets BETTER CALL SAUL meets the COEN BROTHERS, DEFECTED is a comedic thriller set in the cut throat world of amateur gymnastics, and explores the bounds of sisterhood, secrets and the KGB

Created by Amy Staats, a multiple award winning New York playwright and 2017-2018 Tow Playwright in Residence through the Atlantic Theater Company.

Executive Produced by Olivia Wingate for Wingate Media, and Steve Buscemi and Wren Arthur for Olive Productions.