Subject
New York (N.Y.) -- Drama Books
Best books
Eugene O'Neill
The Hairy Ape
"The Hairy Ape" by Eugene O'Neill is a play written in the early 20th century that delves into themes of identity, class struggle, and the search for belonging. Centered around the character Robert Smith, known as "Yank," the narrative explores the life of coal stokers aboard a transatlantic liner, juxtaposed against the opulence of the upper class, which is epitomized by the character Mildred Douglas. As Yank grapples with his identity and feeling of alienation, the play offers a critical examination of the human condition and societal divisions. The opening of the play introduces us to the stokehole of the ship, where Yank and his fellow workers live and work in squalor and camaraderie. The scene is filled with chaotic energy, underscoring the oppressive environment and the men’s need to drown their despair in alcohol and bravado. Yank emerges as a powerful figure among the stokers, consumed by pride in his physical strength as he sees himself as essential to the ship’s operation. The scene unveils the stark contrast between Yank’s raw, animalistic vigor and the disdainful barrier represented by Mildred, who later observes the firemen and recoils in horror at Yank’s brute appearance. This encounter sets in motion Yank's journey of existential questioning as he strives to assert his place in a world that seems to reject him.
Eugene O'Neill
Anna Christie
"Anna Christie" by Eugene O'Neill is a play written in the early 20th century. This dramatic work revolves around the life of Anna Christopherson, the daughter of a coal barge captain, as she reunites with her estranged father while navigating the complexities of her troubled past and the harsh realities of life. The interactions between Anna, her father Chris, and Mat Burke, a stoker, delve into themes of familial bonds, societal expectations, and the quest for personal redemption. At the start of the play, we find ourselves in "Johnny-The-Priest's" saloon in New York City. Chris Christopherson, who enters in a drunken state, is filled with joy upon receiving a letter from his daughter Anna, who is coming to see him after many years apart. As Chris relishes the prospect of their reunion, we are introduced to Anna, who arrives looking worn and weary. The initial exchanges between Chris and the other characters set the stage for Anna’s complex character—a woman grappling with her identity and past traumas, which are hinted at but not fully revealed. As the scene unfolds, we detect hints of tension and anticipation regarding Anna's impact on Chris's simple life and her possible relationship with the rough and rugged Mat Burke, establishing thematic threads that will run throughout the play.
Upton Sinclair
The Machine
"The Machine" by Upton Sinclair is a dramatic play written in the early 20th century. The narrative unfolds around the corrupt intermingling of business, politics, and socio-economic struggles in early 20th-century America, focusing on characters involved in the traction industry and their moral dilemmas. Central to this exploration are Julia Patterson, a magazine writer and social reformer, and Laura Hegan, the daughter of a powerful traction king, who grapples with her family's wealth and the resulting societal implications. The opening of the play introduces us to Julia Patterson's modest apartment, where she engages in conversation with Jack Bullen, a socialist activist. They discuss class struggles and the plight of the working class, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of corruption and social injustice. Laura Hegan arrives, and through dialogue, we learn about her charitable inclinations despite her father's dubious dealings in the traction business. Tension arises as Laura's awareness of her father's involvement in corrupt practices grows, particularly related to the impending decision of the Court of Appeals on a significant railroad case. This initial portion establishes a dramatic framework of impending conflict as characters navigate their moral beliefs against the backdrop of a corrupt political machine.
Samson Raphaelson
The Jazz Singer
"The Jazz Singer" by Samson Raphaelson is a play that debuted on Broadway in 1925. Based on Raphaelson's short story "The Day of Atonement," it tells the story of Jakie Rabinowitz, a jazz singer who performs in blackface under the name Jack Robin. His father, an Orthodox cantor, disapproves of his career choice. When his father falls seriously ill during Jack's Broadway debut, Jack must choose between his theatrical breakthrough and his family obligations on Yom Kippur. The play inspired the groundbreaking 1927 film adaptation.
John Kendrick Bangs
A Proposal Under Difficulties: A Farce
"A Proposal Under Difficulties: A Farce" by John Kendrick Bangs is a comedic play written in the late 19th century, likely during the Victorian era. This light-hearted work centers around the humorous trials and tribulations of romantic proposals and the misunderstandings that ensue. The play features typical themes of love and social interaction, casting light on the awkwardness often found in courtship. The storyline unfolds in a fashionable New York drawing-room, where two suitors, Robert Yardsley and Jack Barlow, compete for the affection of Dorothy Andrews. As Yardsley prepares to propose, he inadvertently ends up making an embarrassing proposal to the housemaid, Jennie, who misunderstands his intentions. This mix-up leads to a series of comedic exchanges and the threat of retribution from Jack Barlow who is also in pursuit of Dorothy. The play pieces together themes of mistaken identities and comedic timing, eventually culminating in the resolution of the romantic entanglements with humor and charm as Yardsley finally proposes to Dorothy and receives her affirmation despite the chaos.
Allen Norton
The convolvulus: a comedy in three acts
"The Convolvulus: A Comedy in Three Acts" by Allen Norton is a play written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around various characters tangled in comedic misunderstandings and familial relationships, particularly focusing on Jane Gibbs, an adoptive mother, and her interactions with her supposed daughter Kathryn, among other characters. Through humorous dialogues, the play explores themes of identity, relationships, and the nature of family ties. The opening of the play introduces the character of Jane in her living room while she engages with her butler, Dill, and Jack, a young man who is depicted as self-assured and somewhat irreverent regarding familial expectations. As they discuss matters concerning Jack's absent father and the chaotic relationships surrounding them, comedic exchanges about marriage, identity, and social status ensue. The dialogue hints at deeper complications involving Jack’s missing father and reveals a patchwork of familial connections that promise both humor and tension as the story unfolds. The lively banter and witty repartee set the tone for a comedic exploration of relationships and the absurdities of social conventions.
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