Subject
One-act plays, American Books
Best books
Marguerite Merington
Festival plays : $b one-act pieces for New Year's day, St. Valentine's day, Easter, All Hallowe'en, Christmas and a child's birthday
"Festival Plays: One-Act Pieces for New Year's Day, St. Valentine's Day, Easter, All Hallow'e'en, Christmas, and a Child's Birthday" by Marguerite Merington is a collection of one-act plays written in the early 20th century. This compilation focuses on various holidays, offering a creative and theatrical exploration of themes associated with celebration and festivity. Each play appears designed to capture the essence of the celebratory occasion, utilizing characters and stories that resonate with the spirit of those specific festivals. At the start of the work, the play “Father Time and His Children” introduces Father Time as the central character and his twelve children, each representing the months of the year. The scene is lively, filled with song and dance as the months present themselves to the audience, each embodying unique characteristics corresponding to their time. The engaging dialogue highlights the playful nature of these personifications, setting a whimsical tone as Time humorously reflects on the passage of time and its significance. This opening segment establishes a blend of humor and festivity that characterizes the collection, setting the stage for the varied themes of the subsequent plays involving joy, love, and reflection.
George Middleton
Masks, with Jim's beast, Tides, Among the lions, The reason, The house one act plays of contemporary life
"Masks" by George Middleton is a collection of one-act plays of contemporary life written in the early 20th century. The opening play, "Masks," revolves around Grant Williams, a dramatist, and explores themes of artistic integrity and the struggles between personal ambition and the expectations of domestic life. This collection aims to reflect societal dynamics and may uncover deeper questions about identity, relationships, and the essence of art." "At the start of "Masks," we are introduced to Grant Williams and his wife, Jerry, who have recently celebrated the success of Grant's play, "The Sand Bar." As they revel in the newfound recognition, hints of Grant's internal conflict begin to surface—despite his commercial success, he grapples with questions about authenticity and artistic integrity. The domestic scene unfolds in their modest New York City apartment, showcasing their interactions that reflect both love and the underlying tensions tied to Grant's career and the changes it brings. This opening segment sets the stage for an exploration of the complex relationship between a creator and his characters, leading to the dramatic encounters that follow."
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