Robert Reich Tickets

Robert Reich, the former Secretary of Labor under President Bill Clinton and a renowned political economist, has had an unmistakable impact on American theater. Though his work may seem disparate from the realms of drama and performance, Reich has contributed to shaping discourse in the arts not only through his signature wit and insight but also through his unabashed activism.

One of Reich's most significant contributions to theater is his book Saving Capitalism: For the Many, Not the Few, which argues that America's current economy serves the interests of powerful corporations rather than everyday citizens. The book served as the basis for Jacob M. Appel's one-act play, Saving Capitalism, which premiered at The Metropolitan Playhouse in 2017. Appel's work brings Reich's ideas to life by exploring how a group of unlikely allies come together to save their factory from being outsourced to China. The play makes the idea of "saving capitalism" palpable and relatable by showing how ordinary people can work together to effect meaningful change.

Reich's influence extends beyond the specific works of Saving Capitalism. His writing and speaking have been a call to arms for theater artists who seek to use their art to address current events and political issues. In a world where so many are disengaged, Reich stands out as a beacon of hope, encouraging us all to become more passionately involved in our society.

Notably, Reich often draws links between economics and art, two fields that are more intertwined than they might initially seem. In his TED Talk, How to Remember What You Hear, Reich explains that "the human brain is programmed to remember stories rather than data points." This statement is equally true of both financial reporting and dramatic storytelling – both require an understanding of the larger narrative that shapes our lives. By articulating this connection, Reich reminds us not only of the importance of theater but also of the ways it can help us understand the complexities of the world around us.

Perhaps Reich's most significant contribution to theater, however, has been his commitment to activism. As a vocal advocate for unions and workers' rights, he has inspired the work of countless artists who have sought to address similar issues on stage. Indeed, the themes of labor and economic justice are commonplace in much contemporary drama and performance.

In conclusion, Robert Reich has left an indelible mark on American theater. Through his writing, public speaking, and activism, he has encouraged artists to engage with the pressing political and economic issues of our time. And by recognizing the links between economics and art, he has helped demonstrate how theater can be a powerful tool for changing hearts and minds. Though his presence in the theater world may seem unlikely, Reich's contributions remind us that there are no neat boundaries between disciplines – only opportunities for meaningful collaboration and change.