TRUNK is a one-man, interactive production that delves into the mind of a young artist reckoning with his approaching death. Written and performed by Riley Samuel Merritt, the play draws from over a decade of his personal writings—poetry, prose, and eight original songs—to examine the fragile intersections of identity, ambition, and connection.

Inspired by the 15th-century morality play Everyman, TRUNK reimagines the age-old confrontation with mortality through the lens of a flawed, modern creative. While the narrative is not autobiographical, Merritt uses his own life as a vessel to explore the universal story of what it means to live truthfully—and die honestly—as an artist. 

Audience participation is central to the show, making each performance a shared act of reflection and storytelling. Viewers are invited to contribute their voices, reinforcing TRUNK’s core themes of community and collective memory. 

Ultimately, TRUNK is both a personal unpacking and a public offering—a meditation on legacy, vulnerability, and the moral responsibility of the modern artist in a world that often forgets to listen.

Riley Samuel Merritt is an actor, writer, and musician raised in the rugged four corners region. Riley graduated from New Mexico State University with a degree in musical theatre, and has spent his years since training and creating in Southern Colorado and Northern New Mexico, having acted in such shows as Little Night Music (Henrik), You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown (Charlie Brown), Heroes of the Fourth Turning (Kevin), Taming of the Shrew (Bianco), and many more. Now ready to move to metropolitan Chicago, Riley is touring “TRUNK”: an original one-man show which celebrates art and humanity through the use of poetry, song, and years of cumulative writing. 

Check out rileysamuelmerritt.com for more info.

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Please be advised:

The Newport Theater is up a flight of stairs with no elevator, but access to a Genesis portable mobile stairlift (rated up to 400 pounds) is available. Please email newporttheater@gmail.com in advance of your arrival to coordinate entry/operators/liability waivers.

There are four single-stall non-gendered restrooms available onsite.

All entrants must comply with the Newport Safety Policy – learn more at newporttheater.com/safety