Atlanta actor revises his inspiring performance as acclaimed actor/filmmaker in the
heart of the Hollywood of the South
Independent: John Cassavetes and the Birth of American Independent Films
ATLANTA – January 13, 2026 – writer John D. Babcock III, who is a producer and co-writer of the critically acclaimed Vape! The Grease Parody, which just finished its Off-Broadway run at Theater 555 in NYC earlier this month, directs his inspiring play about influential actor/writer/director John Cassavetes, depicting his journey to becoming the Godfather of Independent films.
Performances will be staged at the celebrated Windmill Arts, owned by Sam R. Ross, on February 12, 13, 14 & 15.
Taurean Cavins-Flores (Between Riverside and Crazy, How I Learned To Drive, North of Providence) portrays John Cassavetes.
Anna Broadway (Batboy: The Musical, Shut Up I’m On A Diet!, The Translation of Likes) portrays Gena Rowlands.
INDEPENDENT is the inspiring play about actor/filmmaker John Cassavetes and his lasting influence on the film world. Using Cassavetes’ own words, the audience takes a journey from the tough streets of New York City to the conformity of Hollywood to the realization that freedom lies in carving one’s own path.
“In researching material for this play,” John Babcock revealed, “so much of what Cassavetes said about Hollywood and America back in the 1960s, ‘70s and ‘80s is still true over fifty years later.” Babcock continued discussing Cassavetes’ appeal. “We were fortunate to have AuthentiCity stage INDEPENDENT last Spring, and I was so happy that Cassavetes’ inspirational words connected with audience members who were familiar with him and also those in the audience who knew nothing about him.”
Anna Broadway, who portrays Gena Rowlands and is also from Ms. Rowlands’ hometown of Madison, Wisconsin, is thrilled to be portraying the legendary actress. “It has been such a special experience playing Gena because I’m learning something new about her and myself every day. Broadway went on to speak of her admiration of John and Gena’s relationship. “It’s a beautiful example of two passionate artists who balanced each other out in all the right ways.”
Taurean Cavins-Flores, who attended the prestigious National Theatre Conservatory as well as Playhouse West, has been cast as John Cassavetes. He cannot wait for audiences to see this play. “Without a doubt, audiences are going to be inspired and motivated. Whether you come in knowing a little about Cassavetes or nothing at all, you will be able to understand and connect with his story. That’s what’s so beautiful about this play.”
PRODUCTION HISTORY
INDEPENDENT was first staged for two nights as part of Essential Theatre’s 2017 Festival. In 2018, was staged for one night for film and theater students at Young Harris College (Young Harris, Georgia). AuthentiCity Theater gave INDEPENDENT its first full run in April & May 2025 at Limelight Theater.
Windmill Arts is located at 2823 Church St, East Point, Georgia 30344. Their website is
INDEPENDENT can be found on Instagram @independenttheplay
TICKET INFORMATION
INDEPENDENT tickets are available via Windmill’s website or at EventBrite
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/independent-john-cassavetes-the-birth-of-american-
as well as at the box office prior to the performance.
Ticket Prices are $20.00.
Speakeysie 