An examination of the work and theories of one of the most prolific and influential American writers, of the 20th century.
Leviathan
– After a night of destruction, a prince is left alone at sea to face his worst nightmare, a mermaid that wants to steal his soul.
Love and How to Cure It
– Love is a complicated emotion and experience for humans. Finding and retaining it is hard and yet it is extrememly easy to lose. No matter the age, the hold of love on a person is difficult to cure. Thornton Wilder opens up the question of whether or not a person can be cured of love.
The Angel That Troubled the Waters
– As humans we can suffer from physical pain, but also mental pain and depression. Sometimes our emotional baggage can seem too much to carry. In The Angel That Troubled the Waters, Thornton Wilder emphasizes the importance of all of our experiences, the good and the bad. These experiences make us who we are.
Such Things Only Happen In Books
– There is a poor author searching for a plot and he cannot seem to find it. He is surrounded by a wife having an affair with the debonair town doctor, a maid sheltering her fugitive brother, and a murderer who returns to the scene of the crime. Too bad books and plays are not reflective of life.
Mozart and the Grey Steward
– The musical genius is struggling with writing his greatest piece yet! However, will he get to finish it?
Childe Roland to the Dark Tower Came
– Have you ever thought about what your life will be worth at the end? When you get to the end of your road will you have done anything great or important? How will you be remembered? In Childe Roland to the Dark Tower Came Wilder asks these questions and challenges you to live like there is no tomorrow.
Further event details can be found on the Festival of Short Plays 2013 page of the Simpson College website.