Save Yourself If You Can – Six Plays

Save Yourself if You Can is a collection of six Bernhard plays, all in English for the first time, that explore themes of somber lyricism, misanthropy, biting satire, and glorious slapstick.

Format: Hardback
Length: 480 pages
Publication date: 05 November 2023
Publisher: Seagull Books London Ltd

Save Yourself if You Can is a remarkable collection of six plays that encompass the entire theatrical career of renowned playwright Thomas Bernhardt. This long-awaited addition to Bernhardt's oeuvre in English brings together a diverse range of plays, including The Ignoramus and the Madman, The Celebrities, Immanuel Kant, The Goal Attained, Simply Complicated, and Elizabeth II. These plays showcase Bernhardt's exceptional talent as a dramatist, traversing a spectrum of emotions from somber lyricism to biting satire and glorious slapstick. While familiar themes from Bernhardt's previous works are explored, they are presented in a subtly different register, tailored to the demands of the stage.

The Ignoramus and the Madman opens the collection, depicting a tragicomic encounter between a naive and ignorant man and a madman. Through this play, Bernhardt explores the complexities of human nature, questioning the boundaries between sanity and madness. The Celebrities follows, presenting a satirical portrayal of Parisian society and its obsession with fame and celebrity. Bernhardt's sharp wit and social commentary shine through as he skewers the pretensions and vices of the privileged class. Immanuel Kant delves into the philosophical realm, exploring the concepts of morality, ethics, and the nature of reality. Bernhardt's interpretation of Kant's ideas is thought-provoking and deeply introspective, offering a unique perspective on the human condition. The Goal Attained is a poignant drama that examines the complexities of love and relationships. Bernhardt's portrayal of the characters is nuanced and empathetic, capturing the emotional turmoil and vulnerability of human connections. Simply Complicated is a comedic masterpiece that explores the intricacies of human behavior and societal norms. Bernhardt's sharp dialogue and clever plotting bring the characters to life, creating a hilarious and relatable portrayal of modern life. Elizabeth II is a historical drama that portrays the life and reign of Queen Elizabeth II. Bernhardt's portrayal of the queen is nuanced and respectful, capturing her strength, resilience, and dedication to her country.

Through these six plays, Bernhardt offers a profound exploration of human nature, society, and the complexities of the human experience. His plays are renowned for their poetic language, powerful performances, and thought-provoking themes. Save Yourself if You Can is a testament to Bernhardt's enduring legacy as a playwright and a master of the theatrical arts. This collection is a must-read for anyone interested in theatre, literature, or the human condition.

Weight: 896g
Dimension: 238 x 163 x 46 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803092584