4AM America

1990–1991
Theater

About the Production

4AM America is a social satire that anticipates the coming of reality TV. Evolving around an "All American" family, it is a metaphorical representation of America as a problematic family, with its denial of racial tensions, fraught relations with its immigrant members, and its mindless embrace of media. The narrative is centered around the family's teenage daughter who has a sleep walking affliction. As her episodes begin to increase, she and her family become the focus of an all-American media circus in which profit rears its ugly head.

Production Team And Cast

Conceived, Written and Directed by

Ping Chong

Sound Design

Brian Hallas

Dramaturg

Robert Meiksins

Lighting Design

Thomas C. Hase

Costume Design

Dawna Gregory

Set Design

Ping Chong and Pat Doty

Cast

John Fleming, Jeannie Hutchins, Larry Malvern, Johanna Melamed, Ric Oquita and Louise Smith

Performance History

Workshop

Stiemke Theatre, Milwaukee, WI (March 1990)

Theatre Institute at Storm King, NY (August 1990)

Premiere

Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, Milwaukee, WI (December 1990 - January 1991)

Partners

Milwaukee Repertory Theater