The Archbishop's Ceiling
by Arthur Miller

The Archbishop's Ceiling Book Cover
The Archbishop's Ceiling Cover

Highlights

90 mins Present Day Interior Set Contemporary Costumes/Street Clothes

Synopsis

In an ornate chamber in a former Archbishop’s palace in an Eastern European capital, in a room most likely bugged by the secret police, a middle-aged author, Sigmund, having embarrassed the current regime, must choose between defection to the West and imprisonment.

He is encouraged towards the former by two of his former friends – Marcus, an ex-political prisoner now in favor with the regime, and Adrian, a visiting American with strongly liberal ideals.

The situation is complicated by the presence of Myra, a poet and actress, who has been the mistress of all three.

Interweaving debates about politics, art and sex, The Archbishop’s Ceiling raises questions not only about morality and individual responsibility but also about the very nature of reality in a world where absolutes seem to shift and blur.

Press Reviews

"A very welcome revival [that] asks interesting questions, some of which suddenly seem terrifyingly important once again."

— British Theatre Guide

Characters

Character
Maya
Marcus
Irina
Sigmund
Adrian

Videos

The Archbishop’s Ceiling – Arvada Center Trailer

Publication

ISBN-13 9780822200642
ISBN-10 0822200643

The Archbishop's Ceiling is a play written by Arthur Miller and published by Dramatists Play Service .

Community Reviews

No community reviews yet

Rating

3.3

60 ratings · 158 reviews

Review

Buy Play

Performance Rights

Available for Licensing
Amateur & Professional
Fee: Minimum Fee: $110 per performance

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

Apply for Rights

Similar Plays

Plays with similar themes, style, and content.

More from Arthur Miller

More plays from Arthur Miller that we think you'll enjoy.