Washington Square Plays

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Beach, Lewis, 1891-1947

Contributor:

Gerstenberg, Alice, 1885-1972

Goodman, Edward, 1888-1962

Moeller, Philip, 1880-1958

Eaton, Walter Prichard, 1878-1957

Language:

English

Physical Description:

1 online resource : multiple file formats

Place of Publication:

Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg,

Summary:

"WASHINGTON SQUARE PLAYS" by Beach, Gerstenberg, Goodman, and Moeller is a collection of one-act plays published in the early 20th century, specifically designed for the Washington Square Players, an amateur theater group. The book includes four distinct plays, each showcasing the talented and innovative spirit of the contributors, with themes that range from the personal struggles of individuals to satirical examinations of societal norms. The opening of this collection begins with a detailed introduction that discusses the evolution and significance of the one-act play in American theater, emphasizing the Washington Square Players' mission to innovate and provide diverse theatrical experiences. Following the introduction, the first play, "The Clod," presents the story of a fraught encounter between a Northern soldier and a Southern woman, set against the backdrop of the Civil War. Themes of fear, survival, and moral complexity emerge as the soldier seeks refuge from pursuing forces, while the woman grapples with her loyalty and the burden of maintaining her farmers' home. The dramatic tension builds as external pressures escalate, revealing profound emotional depths and social critiques in this captivating opening scenario. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Contents:

The clod, by Lewis Beach

Eugenically speaking, by Edward Goodman

Overtones, by Alice Gerstenberg

Helena's husband, by Philip Moeller.

Credits:

Produced by Dianne Bean, and David Widger

Notes:

Reading ease score: 78.3 (7th grade). Fairly easy to read.

Release date is 2002-02-01