Of all the petty dramatics of suburban American life, nothing seems to offer a window into the soul of a people more than the yard dispute (remember when Rand Paul got beaten up by a neighbor over a pile of branches on their lawns?). Native Gardens plums the fraught realm of Homeowner Association competition, following up-and-coming professionals as they find themselves in intractable conflict with their popular older neighbors over the placing of a fence in between their lots. A tale of seething class conflict lying beneath well-manicured flower beds.

Native Gardens
Opens Sat, Various Times, $23+
City Lights, San Jose

Karen Zacarias’ Native Gardens is the story of Pablo and Tania, a young couple who are are expecting their first child when they move into a highly regarded neighborhood in Washington D.C. When the couple move to replace their aging fence—which their neighbors, Frank and Virginia are happy to see go—it is discovered that Pablo and Tania’s property line extends into Frank’s prize-winning (and very thirsty) garden. Tensions mount and racial, cultural and generational lines are thrown into sharp relief as Pablo and Tania forge ahead with their plans for a native garden.

Native Gardens
Wed, 8pm $35+
Mountain View Center for Performing Arts