Scenes from American Life
by A R Gurney
What readers are saying
Readers find the play to be structurally inventive and interesting, reflecting on themes such as marriage, racism, parenthood, and citizenhood in America. However, some feel it heavily leans into the fears associated with Nixon's America, which may not resonate with all audiences.
Synopsis
In this youthful look at the hypocrisy of adult life, an Irish nurse is not permitted to have men visitors: but her mistress is entitled to her own sexual sidelines.
The preacher interprets the Bible in a way that the rich are not scandalized or demoralized but actually pacified.
A club member blackballs his best friend, a Jew, because he wants to save him from being hurt.
Mature people are winos, ticket fixers with the police, order troops to fire into crowds, and are two faced: one mother calls her son at college to find out where he keeps his marijuana, and another asks her daughter at her coming out party if she has her diaphragm.
Not all of youth is so innocent.
There are the school chums who pray to God with thoughts of malice and concupiscence.
Scenes, then, from American life.
Produced to critical acclaim at the Forum Theater in Lincoln Center.
Publication
Scenes from American Life is a comedy play written by A R Gurney and published by Samuel French.
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Performance Rights
Restrictions: Major Markets Only (US) / Standard Restriction (UK)
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