American Guernica, or The Twilight Of Democracy
David Goldsmith
The King of the United States
by Jean Claude Van Itallie
Synopsis
THE STORY: Creating a mosaic of imaginative and stylistically diverse scenes, interspersed with original songs, the author provides a close and revealing examination of our American penchant for selecting leaders who remind us as much as possible of ourselves.
Sharply satiric, the action underscores not only the platitudes and tawdriness of American politics, but also the blind reflexiveness of the voters.
We do, in effect, get what we deserve—and it is increasingly apparent that the line between president and king, democracy and monarchy (or even totalitarianism), has grown slimmer than we might care to contemplate.
Press Reviews
"Styled a “grotesque sociopolitical fantasy of modern America,” this brilliantly theatrical work offers a devastating commentary on our collective flaws and weaknesses—and the questionable processes by which we choose our leaders. “…the same spontaneity and humor evident in AMERICA HURRAH.” —The New York Times. ”As for van Itallie's writing it is simply exquisite—clean and graceful and sensitive and intelligent and truthful and everything wonderful."
— New York Post
Publication
The King of the United States is a comedy play written by Jean Claude Van Itallie and published by Dramatists Play Service .
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Performance Rights
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