Period of Adjustment
by Tennessee Williams

Period of Adjustment Book Cover
Period of Adjustment Cover

Highlights

Interior Set Comedy

Synopsis

As described in The New York Times: “Mr.

Williams is telling the story of two marriages at points of acute crisis.

One couple has just broken up after five years together.

The other has not been able to come to terms in one day of wedlock.

Both couples are living through a period of adjustment.

The phrase is tinged with irony.

The play examines the sources of the crisis.

Ralph Bates, a former war hero, has in-law trouble.

George Haverstick, a war buddy who unexpectedly visits him on Christmas Eve with his bride of a day, has the shakes; his difficulty seems to be a fear of impotence.

The end is happy, as comedy requires.

The four go to bed—in the right combinations.”

In calling his play a “serious comedy,” Mr. Williams puts his finger on its most unique aspect, for this is a work which combines a humorous viewpoint with deep-seated concern for a very real, human situation.

Press Reviews

"The first full-length comedy by the playwright whom many consider to be the finest of our times. It is, quite simply, a resounding success. It has warmth and wisdom, and hilarious good humor…"

— NY Journal-American

"There are lines that sparkle with freshness of insight. There are scenes that erupt with laughter. There are affecting passages of barely articulated tenderness."

— The New York Times

"It's a believable evening, it's probably even a wise one. And the heart, which the author has plainly got, is wonderfully protected by humor."

— NY Herald-Tribune

Characters

Character
Isabel Haverstick
George Haverstick
Susie
Mrs. Mcgillicuddy
Mr. Mcgillicuddy
Police Officer
Dorothea Bates
Ralph Bates

Publication

ISBN-13 9780822208877
ISBN-10 0822208873

Period of Adjustment is a comedy play written by Tennessee Williams and published by Dramatists Play Service .

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Performance Rights

Available for Licensing
Amateur & Professional
Fee: Minimum Fee: $130 per performance

Restrictions: Major Markets Plus (US) / Standard Plus Add'l Postcodes (UK)

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