Mister Johnson
by Joyce Cary, Norman Rosten

Name: Mister Johnson
Brand: Joyce Cary
SKU: 9780822207641
Rating: 3.48 (462 reviews)

Mister Johnson Book Cover — Mister Johnson Cover

Highlights

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Large Cast

Female

Male

120 minsFlexible Cast SizeBare Stage/Simple SetAmerican

What readers are saying

Readers have mixed feelings about the play, with many appreciating its humor and character development, while others find it steeped in colonial stereotypes and offensive portrayals of African culture. Some enjoy the complexity of Mr. Johnson as a character and the exploration of colonial relationships, despite its dated language. Overall, opinions vary widely on its impact and interpretation.

Funny and engagingComplex character developmentInteresting exploration of colonialismOffensive stereotypesDated languageMixed feelings about portrayal

Synopsis

THE STORY: Johnson, a young native in the British civil service, is a clerk to Rudbeck, Assistant District Officer in Nigeria, and imagines himself to be a very important cog of the King's government.

He is amusingly tolerant of his fellow Africans

Press Reviews

"A colorful, funny and ultimately moving play which, with subtlety and warmth, delineates the conflicts which result when European civilization is imposed on an eager but unschooled African native. “One of the most astonishing, imaginative creations of modern theatre.” —New York World Telegram & Sun. “A lovely, touching and absorbing play…” —New York Daily News. “…curiously haunting…inescapably moving…"
— New York Post