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The Best American Short Plays 1994-1995: A Review of Ten Exceptional One-Acts

Roald Dahl

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Edited by the esteemed theater critic John Guare, 'The Best American Short Plays 1994-1995' is an indispensable anthology that presents a captivating collection of ten one-act plays, each a testament to the vibrant and ever-evolving landscape of American theater.

The Best American Short Plays 1994-1995

by Melanie Wylutzki

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2458 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	258 pages

Spanning a wide range of styles, themes, and perspectives, these plays offer a glimpse into the complexities of human existence, exploring the depths of love, loss, identity, and the myriad challenges we face in the modern world.

1. "Nocturne" by Adam Rapp

A Pensive Young Woman Sits Alone In A Dimly Lit Room, Her Gaze Lost In Contemplation. The Best American Short Plays 1994 1995

Adam Rapp's "Nocturne" opens the anthology with a haunting and evocative tale of a young woman grappling with loneliness, loss, and the complexities of human connection. Through lyrical prose and intimate dialogue, Rapp delves into the protagonist's fragile psyche, capturing the raw emotions and existential questions that torment her.

2. "Aunt Dan and Lemon" by Wallace Shawn

Two Elderly Women, Aunt Dan And Lemon, Sit On A Couch, Their Faces Etched With A Lifetime Of Experiences. The Best American Short Plays 1994 1995

In Wallace Shawn's absurdist comedy "Aunt Dan and Lemon," two elderly sisters engage in a witty and unconventional conversation that challenges conventional notions of aging, memory, and the purpose of life. Shawn's sharp dialogue and unconventional characters create a unique and thought-provoking theatrical experience.

3. "The American Plan" by Richard Greenberg

A Group Of People Gather Around A Dining Table In An Old Fashioned Hotel. The Best American Short Plays 1994 1995

Set in a Catskills resort during the waning days of World War II, Richard Greenberg's "The American Plan" explores the lives of several interconnected characters as they grapple with love, loss, and the uncertainties of the future. Greenberg's nuanced writing and well-developed characters create a poignant and emotionally resonant drama.

4. "Corner" by Marilyn Suzanne Miller

A Young Woman Stands On A Busy Street Corner, Her Face Etched With Determination. The Best American Short Plays 1994 1995

Marilyn Suzanne Miller's "Corner" offers a raw and unflinching portrait of a homeless woman struggling to survive on the unforgiving streets of New York City. With gritty realism and compassionate storytelling, Miller sheds light on the plight of the marginalized and forgotten in our society.

5. "Cuba and His Teddy Bear" by Reinaldo Povod

A Young Boy, Cuba, Sits On A Swing, His Beloved Teddy Bear Clutched Tightly In His Arms. The Best American Short Plays 1994 1995

Reinaldo Povod's "Cuba and His Teddy Bear" follows the journey of a Cuban boy who immigrates to the United States, bringing only his most cherished possession - his teddy bear. Through the eyes of Cuba, Povod examines the complexities of cultural identity, displacement, and the enduring power of childhood innocence.

6. "The Losers' Club" by Jonathan Marc Sherman

A Group Of Misfit Children Gather In A Basement, Finding Solace And Acceptance In Each Other's Company. The Best American Short Plays 1994 1995

Jonathan Marc Sherman's "The Losers' Club" paints a heartwarming and humorous portrait of a group of outcast children who find solace and belonging in their shared experiences. Sherman's dialogue is both witty and poignant, capturing the resilience and vulnerability of his young characters.

7. "Morning Star" by Amy Freed

Two Women, One Old And One Young, Sit On A Park Bench, Their Lives Intertwining In Unexpected Ways. The Best American Short Plays 1994 1995

Amy Freed's "Morning Star" explores the complexities of intergenerational relationships and the power of storytelling to bridge the gaps between past and present. Through the poignant interactions of two women from different generations, Freed examines the themes of loss, memory, and the enduring bonds that connect us.

8. "Roland" by Theresa Rebeck

A Young Man, Roland, Sits In A Therapy Session, Grappling With His Past And The Challenges Of Adulthood. The Best American Short Plays 1994 1995

Theresa Rebeck's "Roland" offers an intimate and unflinching look at a young man's struggle with mental illness, addiction, and the search for redemption. Rebeck's writing is both raw and empathetic, creating a powerful and emotionally charged theatrical experience.

9. "Sushi" by John Patrick Shanley

A Couple Sit Opposite Each Other At A Sushi Restaurant, Their Conversation Revealing The Complexities Of Their Relationship. The Best American Short Plays 1994 1995

John Patrick Shanley's "Sushi" is a short but potent comedic drama that examines the power dynamics and unspoken tensions within a couple's relationship. Through sharp dialogue and subtle gestures, Shanley exposes the vulnerabilities and hidden longings beneath the surface of domestic life.

10. "Vivisection" by Donald Margulies

A Group Of Medical Students Gather Around A Cadaver, Dissecting It With Both Scientific Detachment And Emotional Resonance. The Best American Short Plays 1994 1995

Donald Margulies' "Vivisection" concludes the anthology with a thought-provoking and unsettling exploration of the boundaries between life and death, science and humanity. Through the

The Best American Short Plays 1994-1995

by Melanie Wylutzki

5 out of 5