Best American Short Plays 2018-2019

The Best American Short Plays series explores how playwrights explore our world today, reflecting how we perform our identities and negotiate who we are with others. The plays present a clear reflection of who we are as individuals and as a nation, using humor and a sense of magic to overcome obstacles and shape a larger sense of who we could be.

Format: Hardback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2021
Publisher: Globe Pequot Press

Theatre, as noted by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paula Vogel, serves as a valuable tool for fostering comfort with discomfort among individuals. Within the context of this collection, the one-act plays explore the nuanced ways in which playwrights
explore the nuanced ways in which playwrights grapple with understanding our contemporary world. The selected plays shed light on how we perform our identities, both privately and publicly, and navigate the complexities of interacting with others who hold differing perspectives, which can sometimes evoke discomfort.

The theme of this collection is particularly relevant in today's political climate, where borders are being fortified along party lines, encompassing a range of issues such as pride parades, strict abortion laws, inclusivity in education curricula, and the treatment of children in detention centers at the US-Mexico border. Each play in this collection offers a clear reflection of who we are as individuals and as a nation, addressing the challenges and aspirations that shape our collective identity.

The plays in this collection employ various storytelling styles, including two characters, four characters, a single setting, multiple settings, or even a utopian nowhere. The rich and compelling characters within these plays utilize humor and a sense of magic derived from simple moments of human connection to navigate their differences and overcome obstacles. These characters strive to be understood, loved, and accepted, and their journeys serve as a testament to the potential for personal growth and collective transformation when we engage in meaningful dialogue and listen to one another.

Ultimately, this collection serves as a powerful exploration of the human experience, highlighting our shared desires for understanding, love, and acceptance. It reminds us that our identities are constantly evolving, shaped by our experiences, relationships, and the broader societal context in which we live. By embracing our discomfort and engaging in meaningful dialogue, we can cultivate a deeper sense of empathy, compassion, and hope, ultimately shaping a more inclusive and equitable world.

Weight: 674g
Dimension: 150 x 223 x 36 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781493055920