Documentary Play Depicts Son's Struggle with Father's Antigovernment Militia Involvement
A new Off Broadway play portrays the story of Jackson Reffitt, who turned in his father, a member of an antigovernment militia, for his role in the Jan. 6 insurrection. The play, 'Fatherland,' dives into the complex dynamics within the Reffitt family and sheds light on the extreme challenges faced by Jackson as he navigated loyalty, betrayal, and the consequences of his actions.
Last Tuesday evening in Midtown Manhattan, Jackson Reffitt, a 22-year-old from Texas, cried through the first professional play he'd ever seen, which was about him.
In 'Fatherland,' recently opened Off Broadway, the story unfolds where Jackson turns in his father, Guy Reffitt, a member of the antigovernment Three Percenter militia, for his role in the Jan. 6 insurrection.
The play delves into Guy's radicalization, stockpiling of weapons, and threatening behavior towards Jackson, creating a storyline that captures the intense and emotional turmoil within the Reffitt family.
The play, drawn entirely from official sources like court records and recordings, uses real-life events to portray a disturbing yet poignant narrative of family dissolution, extremism, and personal sacrifice.
Jackson's experience of watching the play, which recreated some of the worst moments of his life, was described as both wrenching and therapeutic as he grappled with the reality of his father's actions and its impact on their relationship.