Top 10 Most Important Plays to Read and Perform Right Now
10. The Diary of Anne Frank by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett (1955)
Number 10 is the popular dramatic adaptation of The Diary of a Young Girl. Goodrich and Hackett were famous for covering significantly lighter subject matter, including writing screenplays for Hollywood musicals including Easter Parade and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. According to an article archived by the New York Times, Queen Juliana of the Netherlands sat in stunned silence after seeing the production’s opening night in Amsterdam. Taking their cue from her, the rest of the audience refrained from applauding and exited the theatre in silence, commemorating the travesty that had happened in their city. The play won both the 1956 Tony Award for Best Play and the Pulitzer Prize in Drama.
Why now?
The relevance of this story has increased as our nation briefly closed its borders to those fleeing oppression in their homelands. Anne and her family were denied access to the United States because of a movement that put “America first.”
Number 10 is the popular dramatic adaptation of The Diary of a Young Girl. Goodrich and Hackett were famous for covering significantly lighter subject matter, including writing screenplays for Hollywood musicals including Easter Parade and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. According to an article archived by the New York Times, Queen Juliana of the Netherlands sat in stunned silence after seeing the production’s opening night in Amsterdam. Taking their cue from her, the rest of the audience refrained from applauding and exited the theatre in silence, commemorating the travesty that had happened in their city. The play won both the 1956 Tony Award for Best Play and the Pulitzer Prize in Drama.
Why now?
The relevance of this story has increased as our nation briefly closed its borders to those fleeing oppression in their homelands. Anne and her family were denied access to the United States because of a movement that put “America first.”
9. By the Way, Meet Vera Stark by Lynn Nottage (2010)
Lynn Nottage’s plays are vital because, while many of them center around the issue of race relations, they present issues as anything but black and white. Her plots are nuanced and present characters faced with problems that are often overlooked. By the Way, Meet Vera Stark deals with a black maid in Hollywood over the course of several decades as she grapples with racial stereotypes and becomes a star herself.
Why now?
As conversations about race continue to erupt, representation matters. It is vital that we tell stories that go beyond white vs. black or that portray black protagonists as helpless in the face of oppression.
Lynn Nottage’s plays are vital because, while many of them center around the issue of race relations, they present issues as anything but black and white. Her plots are nuanced and present characters faced with problems that are often overlooked. By the Way, Meet Vera Stark deals with a black maid in Hollywood over the course of several decades as she grapples with racial stereotypes and becomes a star herself.
Why now?
As conversations about race continue to erupt, representation matters. It is vital that we tell stories that go beyond white vs. black or that portray black protagonists as helpless in the face of oppression.
8. The Autumn Garden by Lillian Hellman (1951)
Possibly one of the most underrated playwrights of her time, Lillian Hellman’s plays were frequently banned from being performed. While many of her plays have been recognized for their cultural significance, including her early representation of a homosexual relationship in The Children’s Hour and her anti-fascist undertones in The Little Foxes, The Autumn Garden was the play that she considered to be both her best crafted and most important work.
Why now?
The Autumn Garden confronts misogyny and the idea of rape culture in a way that was ahead of its time. Even today, watching a victim face the societal repercussions of sexual assault is challenging because the doctrines of shame seem so inherent within our culture. The idea of the female body as a sexual object is examined through the storyline of disillusionment that comes with middle age.
Possibly one of the most underrated playwrights of her time, Lillian Hellman’s plays were frequently banned from being performed. While many of her plays have been recognized for their cultural significance, including her early representation of a homosexual relationship in The Children’s Hour and her anti-fascist undertones in The Little Foxes, The Autumn Garden was the play that she considered to be both her best crafted and most important work.
Why now?
The Autumn Garden confronts misogyny and the idea of rape culture in a way that was ahead of its time. Even today, watching a victim face the societal repercussions of sexual assault is challenging because the doctrines of shame seem so inherent within our culture. The idea of the female body as a sexual object is examined through the storyline of disillusionment that comes with middle age.
7. The Colored Museum by George C. Wolfe (1986)
Ranking at number 7 is a play that has received several successful reincarnations since its premiere in 1986. The Colored Museum presents vignettes that analyze the stereotypes imposed upon black characters including a comedic a cooking show with “Mammy Aunt Ethel” and a parody of Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun. Playwright George C. Wolfe is best known for directing the Broadway premieres of Tony Kushner’s Angels in America and Bring in Da Noise/ Bring in Da Funk. The piece was written as an argument for the necessity of a national theatre whose specific function was to present the works of African American theatre artists.
Why now?
There is a strange phenomena in our nation where black culture is celebrated when appropriated by white people, but black lives are still belittled. The Colored Museum takes a sweeping look at how black artists have been required to present themselves to predominantly white audiences in theaters across the nation and how that mentality has affected the nature of black performance arts themselves.
Ranking at number 7 is a play that has received several successful reincarnations since its premiere in 1986. The Colored Museum presents vignettes that analyze the stereotypes imposed upon black characters including a comedic a cooking show with “Mammy Aunt Ethel” and a parody of Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun. Playwright George C. Wolfe is best known for directing the Broadway premieres of Tony Kushner’s Angels in America and Bring in Da Noise/ Bring in Da Funk. The piece was written as an argument for the necessity of a national theatre whose specific function was to present the works of African American theatre artists.
Why now?
There is a strange phenomena in our nation where black culture is celebrated when appropriated by white people, but black lives are still belittled. The Colored Museum takes a sweeping look at how black artists have been required to present themselves to predominantly white audiences in theaters across the nation and how that mentality has affected the nature of black performance arts themselves.
6. The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui by Bertolt Brecht (1941)
Although the simple tale about a Chicago mobster attempting to monopolize on the city’s lucrative cauliflower business directly correlates with the story of the rise of Adolf Hitler (the titular character is often portrayed with his iconic mustache), the play has become incredibly poignant.
Why now?
The play does not focus solely on Hitler. It looks at the mentalities of his followers, supporters, and colleagues and examines what happened that allowed them to get so carried away with their nationalism. I was fortunate enough to see New Repertory Theatre’s production of Brecht on Brecht recently (running through March 5, if you get a chance, please go see it!) and was struck by the relevance of a quote from this play.
"Do not rejoice in his defeat, you men. For though the world has stood up and stopped the bastard, the bitch that bore him is in heat again.”
Such a prophetic line from a playwright whose life was affected by the rise of the Nazi party and whose work would later be censored and questioned by the House Un-American Activities Committee. This play must be performed now, because it reminds us to look at the big picture. While individuals may be flawed, the system that allows them to rise to power must also be criticized.
Although the simple tale about a Chicago mobster attempting to monopolize on the city’s lucrative cauliflower business directly correlates with the story of the rise of Adolf Hitler (the titular character is often portrayed with his iconic mustache), the play has become incredibly poignant.
Why now?
The play does not focus solely on Hitler. It looks at the mentalities of his followers, supporters, and colleagues and examines what happened that allowed them to get so carried away with their nationalism. I was fortunate enough to see New Repertory Theatre’s production of Brecht on Brecht recently (running through March 5, if you get a chance, please go see it!) and was struck by the relevance of a quote from this play.
"Do not rejoice in his defeat, you men. For though the world has stood up and stopped the bastard, the bitch that bore him is in heat again.”
Such a prophetic line from a playwright whose life was affected by the rise of the Nazi party and whose work would later be censored and questioned by the House Un-American Activities Committee. This play must be performed now, because it reminds us to look at the big picture. While individuals may be flawed, the system that allows them to rise to power must also be criticized.
5. Danton’s Death by Georg Buchner (1835)
Buchner’s play, originally written in French (Dantons Tod), is considered the predecessor to the genre of documentary drama. It tells the story of French Revolutionary, Georges Danton and relies upon full political speeches interspersed with original commentary and dialogue.
Why now?
The play argues that any champion of the people, however well-intentioned, when given power, becomes a self-servicing individual. Revolution is futile if the ultimate goal is a mere overthrow of the powers that be, and not a total reconstruction of the distribution of power.
Buchner’s play, originally written in French (Dantons Tod), is considered the predecessor to the genre of documentary drama. It tells the story of French Revolutionary, Georges Danton and relies upon full political speeches interspersed with original commentary and dialogue.
Why now?
The play argues that any champion of the people, however well-intentioned, when given power, becomes a self-servicing individual. Revolution is futile if the ultimate goal is a mere overthrow of the powers that be, and not a total reconstruction of the distribution of power.
4. Clybourne Park by Bruce Norris (2010)
Norris’ play serves dually as a prequel and a sequel to Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun, focusing on the neighborhood in which the play takes place.
Why now?
Clybourne Park deals with the realities of racism over time and how, what may have once been unacceptable, can one day become trendy. It addresses the ever-present issue of gentrification and the ideas of race dictating socioeconomic structures. White and black characters undergo shifts in power dynamics due to the expansive time frame in which the play is set. The discussion brought to the forefront deals with the way people who have historically been oppressed are expected to deal with those people who have historically oppressed them.
Norris’ play serves dually as a prequel and a sequel to Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun, focusing on the neighborhood in which the play takes place.
Why now?
Clybourne Park deals with the realities of racism over time and how, what may have once been unacceptable, can one day become trendy. It addresses the ever-present issue of gentrification and the ideas of race dictating socioeconomic structures. White and black characters undergo shifts in power dynamics due to the expansive time frame in which the play is set. The discussion brought to the forefront deals with the way people who have historically been oppressed are expected to deal with those people who have historically oppressed them.
3. Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare (1599)
(I know, another play about people wanting to overthrow a dictatorial power, but hear me out.)
Why now?
Several characters in Julius Caesar stand out as having counterparts in our current political scene. I am most struck by Mark Antony’s firm stance that he is not an orator. He does not speak beautifully. He claims to use common language to speak more directly to the people, and in turn convinces the population of his own divide from the Roman leaders. His speech famously stirs the crowd into a frenzy, and we are reminded, as an audience, of the powers of emotion as a driving force behind a mob.
(I know, another play about people wanting to overthrow a dictatorial power, but hear me out.)
Why now?
Several characters in Julius Caesar stand out as having counterparts in our current political scene. I am most struck by Mark Antony’s firm stance that he is not an orator. He does not speak beautifully. He claims to use common language to speak more directly to the people, and in turn convinces the population of his own divide from the Roman leaders. His speech famously stirs the crowd into a frenzy, and we are reminded, as an audience, of the powers of emotion as a driving force behind a mob.
2. Straight White Men by Young Jean Lee (2014)
I’ve talked about this play in a previous blog post, but Young Jean Lee’s works (in my opinion, especially this one) are incredibly important right now. The play is narrated and controlled by a gender non-binary person of color and tells the story of a white father and his three straight, grown sons as they prepare for Christmas. Discussion turns to the idea of privilege and learning to accept it and admit to it, even if it is not a presence you are constantly aware of. Lee once said, “I’ve found the only way to make theatre that gets the audience thinking is when I feel uncomfortable making it.”
Why now?
A story about straight, white men interacting with each other. There was a time when this play would have been accepted as making a statement that was devoid of race or gender. But in eliminating women and people of color from the narrative, Lee calls attention to privileges that have the ability to open the eyes of the people in the audience to the privileges they benefit from in their own lives.
I’ve talked about this play in a previous blog post, but Young Jean Lee’s works (in my opinion, especially this one) are incredibly important right now. The play is narrated and controlled by a gender non-binary person of color and tells the story of a white father and his three straight, grown sons as they prepare for Christmas. Discussion turns to the idea of privilege and learning to accept it and admit to it, even if it is not a presence you are constantly aware of. Lee once said, “I’ve found the only way to make theatre that gets the audience thinking is when I feel uncomfortable making it.”
Why now?
A story about straight, white men interacting with each other. There was a time when this play would have been accepted as making a statement that was devoid of race or gender. But in eliminating women and people of color from the narrative, Lee calls attention to privileges that have the ability to open the eyes of the people in the audience to the privileges they benefit from in their own lives.
1. Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller (1949)
For decades, the story of American, middle class salesman, Willy Loman has been considered the “everyman’s drama”. It is the ultimate representation of the common man’s tragedy and has been lauded for its pertinence to audience members’ lives as well as regarded as one of the crown jewels of twentieth century American drama (along with A Streetcar Named Desire).
Why now?
The reason that this play ranks at Number One on my list of important plays to read and perform right now has to do equally with the text and with its reputation as a vital work. As a protagonist, Willy Loman is infatuated with the American dream and bemoans the fact that he will never achieve it. He complains about the encroaching low-income housing on his suburban property and seems begrudging in acceptance of any change. We, as an audience, cannot identify with Willy Loman anymore. He cannot be our hero as he has been the hero of audiences before us. We must accept the fact that immigrants are not coming into this nation and cutting us in line for the American dream. We must also look at the fact that this man, intended to represent the average American citizen, actually represents a small portion of our population. We can sympathize with him and understand his perspective, but we, as conscious citizens, must take issue with the way he confronts his problems.
For decades, the story of American, middle class salesman, Willy Loman has been considered the “everyman’s drama”. It is the ultimate representation of the common man’s tragedy and has been lauded for its pertinence to audience members’ lives as well as regarded as one of the crown jewels of twentieth century American drama (along with A Streetcar Named Desire).
Why now?
The reason that this play ranks at Number One on my list of important plays to read and perform right now has to do equally with the text and with its reputation as a vital work. As a protagonist, Willy Loman is infatuated with the American dream and bemoans the fact that he will never achieve it. He complains about the encroaching low-income housing on his suburban property and seems begrudging in acceptance of any change. We, as an audience, cannot identify with Willy Loman anymore. He cannot be our hero as he has been the hero of audiences before us. We must accept the fact that immigrants are not coming into this nation and cutting us in line for the American dream. We must also look at the fact that this man, intended to represent the average American citizen, actually represents a small portion of our population. We can sympathize with him and understand his perspective, but we, as conscious citizens, must take issue with the way he confronts his problems.
I recognize that this list is not comprehensive. There are so many plays that have become pertinent right now and many new works being written as we speak to respond to the world we are living in. However, I believe that if every American took the time to read the above 10 plays, we could move a little closer to a day of liberty and justice for all.