Borut Marter    

Rikli - The Great Outrage A Musical Comedy about the Life of Arnold Rikli

Year of writing: 2023
A humorous and lively musical that chronicles the life of Arnold Rikli, a pioneering natural healer.
Total cast size: 8 (1 f, 7 m)

young adults, grown-ups

drama, historical drama, biographical play, musical comedy
humour, historical topic, historical personalities

The play follows Rikli's journey from his struggles in the family dyeing business to establishing a groundbreaking health resort in Bled, Slovenia. Filled with comedic misunderstandings, quirky characters, and Rikli's unconventional health methods involving sun, water, and air, the play explores themes of perseverance, innovation, and the clash between tradition and modernity. Rikli's eccentric methods and the colorful personalities of his patients and rivals make for an entertaining and enlightening theatrical experience.

Find your own way, don't delay,
Embrace the journey, come what may.

 

SCENE 6

Riklian sits on a toilet facing away from the audience and whistles La Marseillaise. When he accidentally turns towards the audience and gets frightened to death.

RIKLIAN
Shouts

AAAAAAAAA!!! He puts his hand on his chest and takes a deep breath. May your cabbage rot. Not again. I'VE HAD ENOUGH OF THIS!!!

He stands up, puts on an apron, and rushes backstage. From there, his voice can be heard. WHO IS THE DIRECTOR HERE??? IS IT YOU!!! COME HERE, YOU CLUMSY FOOL!!! I'LL SHOW YOU WHAT IT'S LIKE WHEN TWO HUNDRED PEOPLE WATCH YOU ON THE  TOILET!!! COME HERE!!!

The director runs across the stage followed by Riklian. The director escapes, leaving Riklian alone on stage.

COME HERE, YOU... INCOMPETENT BROOM!!! Just one more time... and I'll skin you like a turkey!

He calms down.
Amateurs... well, where was I? Oh, yes, Arnold and his brother didn't have much luck with their  dyeing business in Austria. Debts were piling up, and the red dye just wouldn't turn out right. The yarn was speckled like unripe tomatoes.

Borut Marter

Rikli - The Great Outrage A Musical Comedy about the Life of Arnold Rikli

Language of translation: English
2023

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