Plays
Sure, we live in the age of HDTV and YouTube videos. Still, the Theatre not only survives but thrives. From Sophocles to Neil Simon, stage plays deliver a unique and often powerful experience. Explore the drama, the history, and the merriment of classic plays and lesser known gems.
All My Sons (3)
One Act Plays and Scenes (7)
Antigone (6)
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's
Crucible, The (10)
Our Town (3)
Death of a Salesman (4)
Peter Pan (3)
Doll's House, A (6)
Raisin in the Sun, A (4)
Glass Menagerie, The (3)
Seagull, The (3)
Importance of Being Earnest (5)
Themed Plays (5)
Man and Superman (3)
Who's Afraid of Virginia W. (3)
Oleanna (3)
You Can't Take It With You (1)
Act Three of "Ghosts" - Study Guide
The climax and resolution of Henrik Ibsen's drama, "Ghosts." This study guide for "Ghosts" summarizes the final act of this controversial play of the late 19th century.
The climax and resolution of Henrik Ibsen's drama, "Ghosts." This study guide for "Ghosts" summarizes the final act of this controversial play of the late 19th century.
Ghosts - Plot Summary of Act Two
Plot summary of "Ghosts" by Henrik Ibsen. Study guide and character analysis of Henrik Ibsen's "Ghosts," a family drama about secrets and lies.
Plot summary of "Ghosts" by Henrik Ibsen. Study guide and character analysis of Henrik Ibsen's "Ghosts," a family drama about secrets and lies.
"Ghosts" -- Plot Summary of Act One
Study guide and plot summary of Henrik Ibsen's "Ghosts," a tense drama about a mother, her son, her priest, and her conscience.
Study guide and plot summary of Henrik Ibsen's "Ghosts," a tense drama about a mother, her son, her priest, and her conscience.
"Oedipus the King" in 60 Seconds
A quick, humorous plot summary of Oedipus the King ( or Oedipus Rex) by the best playwright of anceint Greece, Sophocles.
A quick, humorous plot summary of Oedipus the King ( or Oedipus Rex) by the best playwright of anceint Greece, Sophocles.
"Twelve Angry Men" Study Guide: Plot Summary and Study Questions
A study guide for Reginald Rose's courtroom drama, "Twelve Angry Men." Brief summary of the play, as well as notes on the evidence presented in this fictional case. "Twelve Angry Men" study guide and discussion questions.
A study guide for Reginald Rose's courtroom drama, "Twelve Angry Men." Brief summary of the play, as well as notes on the evidence presented in this fictional case. "Twelve Angry Men" study guide and discussion questions.
"Twelve Angry Men" - Characters from Reginald Rose's Drama
Character analysis of the jurors from the play "Twelve Angry Men." An annotated list of the personalities and opinions of the jury.
Character analysis of the jurors from the play "Twelve Angry Men." An annotated list of the personalities and opinions of the jury.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest - Themes and Characters
Analysis of the characters from the play, "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." The play is written by Dale Wasserman, adapted from the novel by Ken Kesey.
Analysis of the characters from the play, "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." The play is written by Dale Wasserman, adapted from the novel by Ken Kesey.
Niel Simon's Autobiographical Plays
Where do comedy writer's get their ideas? This overview of Neil Simon's autobiographical plays analyzes how the playwright developed his unique sense of humor. Plot and character analysis of "Brighton Beach Memoirs", "Biloxi Blues", and "Broadway Bound." (Also known as the "Eugene Trilogy")
Where do comedy writer's get their ideas? This overview of Neil Simon's autobiographical plays analyzes how the playwright developed his unique sense of humor. Plot and character analysis of "Brighton Beach Memoirs", "Biloxi Blues", and "Broadway Bound." (Also known as the "Eugene Trilogy")
"On Golden Pond" by Ernest Thomspon
Most romantic plays don't go beyond “happily ever after.” Ernest Thompson’s heartfelt drama 'On Golden Pond' does exactly this. It is a touching, funny look at a loving marriage in its “golden” years.
Most romantic plays don't go beyond “happily ever after.” Ernest Thompson’s heartfelt drama 'On Golden Pond' does exactly this. It is a touching, funny look at a loving marriage in its “golden” years.
August Wilson's "Fences"
Arguably August Wilson’s most renowned work, "Fences" explores the life and relationships of Troy Maxson and his family. This moving drama was written in 1983 and earned Wilson his first Pulitzer Prize. Though deeply flawed, he represents the struggle for justice and fair treatment during the 1950s. Troy also represents human nature’s reluctance to recognize and accept social change.
Arguably August Wilson’s most renowned work, "Fences" explores the life and relationships of Troy Maxson and his family. This moving drama was written in 1983 and earned Wilson his first Pulitzer Prize. Though deeply flawed, he represents the struggle for justice and fair treatment during the 1950s. Troy also represents human nature’s reluctance to recognize and accept social change.
"The Vagina Monologues" by Eve Enlser
An analysis of one of the most debated and discussed theater experiences of the 1990s: The Vagina Monologues by Eve Ensler.
An analysis of one of the most debated and discussed theater experiences of the 1990s: The Vagina Monologues by Eve Ensler.
"Trifles" by Susan Glaspell - Plot and Character Analysis
An analysis of the plot and characters of "Trifles" by Susan Glaspell. Written in 1916, Susan Glaspell’s one-act play is loosely based on an actual murder which she covered as a young reporter.
An analysis of the plot and characters of "Trifles" by Susan Glaspell. Written in 1916, Susan Glaspell’s one-act play is loosely based on an actual murder which she covered as a young reporter.
Character Analysis of Tartuffe
Character Analysis of Tartuffe - Plot / character summary of comedy by Moliere Author of Tartuffe or The Hypocrite.
Character Analysis of Tartuffe - Plot / character summary of comedy by Moliere Author of Tartuffe or The Hypocrite.
Hedda Gabler - Plot Synopsis of "Hedda Gabler"
Hedda Gabler - Plot Synopsis of Henrik Ibsen's "Hedda Gabler"
Hedda Gabler - Plot Synopsis of Henrik Ibsen's "Hedda Gabler"
"Amadeus" by Peter Shaffer
Overview and character analysis of "Amadeus" by Peter Shaffer - a drama that tried to answer the question: How did Mozart die?
Overview and character analysis of "Amadeus" by Peter Shaffer - a drama that tried to answer the question: How did Mozart die?
"Inherit the Wind" - Controversial Play Inspired by the Scopes "Monkey" Trial
Inherit the Wind - Character Analysis of Evolution vs. Creationism Play Inherit the Wind, a fictionalize account of the Scopes Monkey Trial.
Inherit the Wind - Character Analysis of Evolution vs. Creationism Play Inherit the Wind, a fictionalize account of the Scopes Monkey Trial.
Characters and Themes from Tracy Letts' "August: Osage County"
What is August: Osage County? One of the greatest American plays of modern theater. Explore the characters and themes of August: Osage County by Tracy Letts.
What is August: Osage County? One of the greatest American plays of modern theater. Explore the characters and themes of August: Osage County by Tracy Letts.
Hurlyburly - Character Analysis of David Rabe's Darkly Comic Drama
"Hurlyburly" by David Rabe is a darkly comic drama filled withy loathesome yet fascinating characters.
"Hurlyburly" by David Rabe is a darkly comic drama filled withy loathesome yet fascinating characters.
Mark Twain Plays
A look at stage adaptations of Mark Twain's books and stories. Includes links to play versions of "Huckleberry Finn," "Tom Sawyer," "A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court," and other stories.
A look at stage adaptations of Mark Twain's books and stories. Includes links to play versions of "Huckleberry Finn," "Tom Sawyer," "A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court," and other stories.
"The Cuban Swimmer" - One Act Drama by Milcha Sanchez-Scott
Plot summary and analysis of "The Cuban Swimmer," a one-act play by Milcha Sanchez-Scott. The play is a sometimes comic, sometimes heart-wrenching tale of a 19 year woman who attempts to swim from long Beach to Catalina Island.
Plot summary and analysis of "The Cuban Swimmer," a one-act play by Milcha Sanchez-Scott. The play is a sometimes comic, sometimes heart-wrenching tale of a 19 year woman who attempts to swim from long Beach to Catalina Island.
The Miracle Worker – The Roles of Anne Sullivan and Helen Keller
An overview of "The Miracle Worker" by playwright William Gibson. The biographical play provides a wonderful challenge to actresses who take on the role of Anne Sullivan and/or Helen Keller.
An overview of "The Miracle Worker" by playwright William Gibson. The biographical play provides a wonderful challenge to actresses who take on the role of Anne Sullivan and/or Helen Keller.
The Genius of George Bernard Shaw
George Bernard Shaw began his writing career as a critic. First, he reviewed music. Then, he branched out and became a theater critic. He must have been disappointed with his contemporary playwrights because he began writing his own dramatic works in the late 1800s.
George Bernard Shaw began his writing career as a critic. First, he reviewed music. Then, he branched out and became a theater critic. He must have been disappointed with his contemporary playwrights because he began writing his own dramatic works in the late 1800s.
Top 5 Plays of Tennessee Williams
An annotated list of the top five plays by Tennessee Williams.
An annotated list of the top five plays by Tennessee Williams.
10 Plays by August Wilson -- The Pittsburgh Cycle
In the early 1980s, playwright August Wilson decided that he wanted to create a cycle of ten plays, one play for each decade. Collectively, they would become known as the Pittsburgh Cycle -- all but one take place in the city's Hills District. August Wilson's 10 play series is arguably one of the finest literary achievements in contemporary drama.
In the early 1980s, playwright August Wilson decided that he wanted to create a cycle of ten plays, one play for each decade. Collectively, they would become known as the Pittsburgh Cycle -- all but one take place in the city's Hills District. August Wilson's 10 play series is arguably one of the finest literary achievements in contemporary drama.
Top Ten Plays For Theater Newcomers
A friend of mine recently confessed, "I haven't watched a play since junior high." He then asked me for suggestions. He wanted to know which stage productions were essential for a person who is new to theater-going, who might not have time to see plays very often. His question made me wonder... Which plays represent the best elements of the theatre?
A friend of mine recently confessed, "I haven't watched a play since junior high." He then asked me for suggestions. He wanted to know which stage productions were essential for a person who is new to theater-going, who might not have time to see plays very often. His question made me wonder... Which plays represent the best elements of the theatre?