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New Volume of Thornton Wilder Theatre Writings

I just noticed a piece that ran a few days ago in the New York Times about the Library of America's new volume: Collected Plays & Writings on Theater by Thornton Wilder ($40). I'm not familiar with his one acts, but his longer works are brilliant. For those who see, as the essay suggests, hints of a theatrical Normal Rockwell, realize that behind that sentimental exterior is a heart dark enough to be in an O'Neill play, yet, to my taste at least, more essential and fundamentally disturbing. In fact, thinking of these two, I can understand the reaction some playwrights have toward "psychological" drama. The issue isn't a disinterest in characterization, but a desire to get beyond quotidian existence and wrestle with some of the great themes of classic drama, and of life. I'll pick up a copy and am interested in particular to look at some of Wilder's writings about theatre. This is always a chance, as many playwrights, when the cover the topic, become far less interesting and far more limited. There are few George Bernard Shaws. (For example, I find David Mamet's non-fiction on theatre to be didactic, bombastic, and generally dreadful.) I'll be interested to see what Wilder did.

posted by Erik Sherman @ 6:12 AM