Subject
War -- Drama Books
Best books
Bernard Shaw
Arms and the Man
"Arms and the Man" by George Bernard Shaw is a comedy first produced in 1894. Set during the Serbo-Bulgarian War, the play follows Raina, an idealistic young Bulgarian woman engaged to a battlefield hero, whose romantic notions are challenged when a pragmatic Swiss mercenary takes refuge in her bedroom. Shaw humorously exposes the futility of war and the hypocrisies of human nature as characters grapple with the gap between romantic ideals and reality, leading to unexpected revelations and shifting allegiances.
Edna St. Vincent Millay
Aria da Capo
"Aria da Capo" by Edna St. Vincent Millay is a play in one act written in the early 20th century. This theatrical work presents a whimsical yet poignant narrative that delves into themes of love, the intricacies of relationships, and the contrast between tragedy and farce. Set within a colorful and metaphorical framework, it intertwines elements of both comedy and seriousness, presenting a unique commentary on human emotions and societal expectations. The story unfolds in a two-part structure, beginning with the main characters, Pierrot and Columbine, engaged in a seemingly trivial dining conversation filled with humor and banter. Their light-hearted interaction is interrupted by Cothurnus, a figure representing the weight of tragedy, who attempts to integrate a more serious tone. Meanwhile, shepherds Thyrsis and Corydon illustrate their own narrative of conflict and disillusionment as they quarrel over imaginary boundaries between themselves and their sheep. The play juxtaposes these two dialogues, ultimately leading to a tragic conclusion where misunderstandings and jealousy culminate in violent circumstances, only to be ignored and transformed back into farce by Pierrot and Columbine. This cyclical structure emphasizes the absurdity of life, a reflection on the human condition wrapped in humor and sorrow.
Bernard Shaw
Helden
"Helden" by George Bernard Shaw is a play first performed in 1894. Set during the Serbo-Bulgarian War of 1885, it follows Swiss artillery captain Bluntschli, who flees battle and takes refuge with Raina, the fiancée of Bulgarian cavalry officer Sergius. The pragmatic Bluntschli carries chocolate instead of ammunition and makes no secret of his distaste for war. When he returns after the war to return borrowed clothing, romantic entanglements and the threat of a duel complicate matters, leading to unexpected pairings.
Hermann Hagedorn
Makers of Madness A Play in One Act and Three Scenes
"Makers of Madness" by Hermann Hagedorn is a one-act play written during the early 20th century. This dramatic work explores themes of power, war, and the moral dilemmas faced by leaders who must decide whether to pursue peace or war for their nation. Set against a backdrop of escalating tensions between two fictional factions, the play scrutinizes the nature of authority and the consequences of decision-making in a volatile political climate. The narrative unfolds primarily in the court of a fictional king and his ministers, who grapple with the prospect of war against the Republic. The fears and ambitions of the King clash with the aggressive desires of his ministers, particularly the Prime Minister and the Chief of Staff. As negotiations unfold, the King's attempt at diplomacy is met with resistance from his advisors, who view conflict as a means of preserving national honor. Tensions build rapidly, and the ultimate decision to proceed with war is made despite the King's fervent opposition and moral qualms, encapsulating the madness and complexity of political maneuvering during crisis moments.
Alfred Noyes
Rada: A Drama of War in One Act
"Rada: A Drama of War in One Act" by Alfred Noyes is a powerful one-act play written in the early 20th century, specifically around 1913. The drama unfolds in a war-torn village in the Balkans on Christmas Eve, exploring themes of violence, desperation, and the harsh realities of war. It features the poignant struggles of Rada, the wife of the village doctor, as she faces the uncomfortable presence of hostile soldiers quartered in her home during a time of great turmoil. The narrative centers on Rada and her twelve-year-old daughter, Subka, as they confront the brutal reality of their situation. In a desperate attempt to protect her child, Rada interacts with the soldiers, Arram and Michael, amidst a backdrop of chaos and impending violence. The tension escalates as soldiers become increasingly dangerous and drunk, demanding access to the locked room where Subka is hiding. Rada’s fierce maternal instincts surface as she brandishes a revolver to protect her daughter, making a desperate stand against the soldiers. The play culminates in a tragic yet symbolic moment, underscoring the profound impact of war on family and the human spirit, ultimately serving as a plea for peace and goodwill amidst the horrors of conflict.
Recently surfaced classics