Dramatic Lives: Three Plays, Three Historical Figures

It’s always fascinating when writers depict the lives of real people in their works. We can think of Shakespeare, for example, who wrote a number of histrory plays featuring various King Richards and Henrys. In the 20th-century, three important and award-winning plays were produced: A Man for All Seasons ($12) about Sir Thomas More; The Miracle Worker ($13) about Anne Sullivan and Helen Keller; and The Elephant Man ($14) about John (Joseph) Merrick. Each of these plays provides a vehicle through which the playwright can examine the lived experiences of their subjects while also providng the reader/viewer an opportunity to consider important thematic material such as the nature of integrity, abuse of power, religion, exploitation, perceptions of physical disabilities, what or who defines normality, and the power of love. By reading these plays, we will surely gain insight into these ideas as we consider four dramatic lives transposed into the musical key of art.

Expect lively discussion and dramatic readings from the texts. Also, to protect your imagination and ability to interact with the literature, it is strongly suggested that you avoid watching movie versions of these plays until our study of them is complete. Books are available for purchase on the registration form.