Bill W. and Dr. Bob

Bill W. and Dr. Bob is a play that dramatizes the lives of Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith, the co-founders of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), an international mutual aid fellowship with the primary purpose of enabling its members to stay sober and help other alcoholics achieve sobriety. Written by Stephen Bergman and Janet Surrey, the play highlights the struggles both men faced with alcoholism, their historic meeting in Akron, Ohio in 1935, and the subsequent founding of AA. The narrative delves into the development of the program's foundational text, commonly referred to as "The Big Book," and the establishment of the Twelve Steps, a set of guiding principles outlining a course of action for recovery from addiction.

Plot Summary

The play opens with Bill W., a stockbroker from New York City, and Dr. Bob Smith, a surgeon from Akron, struggling with their addiction to alcohol. Despite their efforts, both men find themselves unable to maintain sobriety. Their meeting, arranged by Henrietta Seiberling, a mutual acquaintance, marks a turning point in their lives and the birth of Alcoholics Anonymous. Through their shared experiences and the strength they find in each other, Bill W. and Dr. Bob lay down the foundation of a program that would eventually help millions of people worldwide.

Themes

The central themes of Bill W. and Dr. Bob include friendship, hope, the power of shared experiences, and the journey of recovery. The play emphasizes the importance of mutual support and understanding in overcoming addiction. It also explores the impact of alcoholism on families and the transformative power of the AA program.

Production History

Since its debut, Bill W. and Dr. Bob has been performed in various theaters across the United States. Its honest portrayal of addiction and recovery, combined with its historical significance, has made it a critical and popular success. The play has also been used as an educational tool, providing insights into the nature of addiction and the effectiveness of peer support in overcoming it.

Impact

Bill W. and Dr. Bob has played a significant role in raising awareness about alcoholism and the Alcoholics Anonymous program. By bringing the story of its co-founders to the stage, the play has helped to destigmatize addiction and promote a better understanding of the AA approach to recovery. It serves as a source of inspiration for those battling addiction, offering hope and a path to sobriety through the example of its protagonists.