Rik Reppe chronicles his search for America in his play, Staggering Toward America, which was presented in its final performance on Sunday, March 14th. The play bill describes:
Staggering Toward America
Presented by Rik Reppe
Feeling disconnected in the tragic aftermath of 9/11, Rik Reppe closed his thriving management consulting business and set out to re-connect with what he lost that day. He threw his clothes, a sleeping bag and a tent into his pick-up truck and left home. He began what would become an eight-week journey across America to see the Pentagon, the World Trade Center and a lonely field outside of Shanksville, PA. On the way he spoke with hundreds of people asking what it means to be an American. This quest is the basis for the play, Staggering toward America. Under Jack Rowe’s direction, Reppe’s storytelling comes alive with portrayals of everyday people and their selfless behavior and courageous acts as they too struggle to find meaning in post-9/11 America. Staggering Toward America was an audience favorite at the 2003 Fringe Festival.
What I found most moving in this one man show were the clearly drawn and recreated characters that were each unique, but recognizable, and who brought a new dimension to the definition of what America truly is. Each person he portrays is brimming with life and irony as they described what it is that we hold on to after the crisis we faced that fateful day.
You might recognize Rik’s name as he occasionally is a featured essayist on NPRs Sound Money Program. Here are some of his pieces, you can download them in audio files:
Why Capitalism Rocks: Twix, Frisbees, and the Grateful Dead – Feb. 7, 2004
Theatre of the Absurd: Efficiency in Government – Jan. 10 2004
The Reign of the Governator – October 11th, 2003
The Tragedy of the ATM – August 30th, 2003