YOU KNOW I CAN'T HEAR YOU WHEN THE WATER'S RUNNING -- Robert Anderson

Random House -- hc
New York -- 1967 -- 92pp
Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 67-22664

Four one-act plays:

The Shock of Recognition (3m, 1f)
The Footsteps of Doves (2m, 2f)
I'll Be Home For Christmas (1m, 2f)
I'm Herbert (1m, 1f)


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Is it possible that I've never actually read these plays before? An old professor of mine used to talk about this so much, I felt as though I knew the plays, but once I began reading, I was hooked, and very aware that they were quite new to me.

All four of these short plays are extremely well written and would be incredibly fun to see staged. Though quite humorous, each seems to have an adult edge, making them not quite viable for the high school crowd.

Of the four, I laughed quite a bit while reading "I'm Herbert" and would like very much to see and/or direct this play.

Highly recommended reading.

THE MYSTERIOUS EDGE OF THE HEROIC WORLD -- E. L. Konigsburg

Atheneum Books For Young Readers -- hc
New York -- ©2007 -- 244pp
ISBN-10: 1-4169-4972-0

An unlikely friendship develops between two precocious sixth graders as they unite to sort through the belongings of an eccentric, pretentious, and intriguing neighbor. Through old letters, parts of a memoir,the introduction to an art exhibit, and thumbnail biographies of the artists deemed unfit by the Nazis, readers are educated about this aspect of Nazi repression. Dramatic revelations about the victimization of homosexuals and other figures during the Holocaust also become part of the story. In spite of these necessary intrusions, readers will be eager to discover the truth about the Zenders and the suspicious art treasure. (edited from School Library Journal)

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I admire Konigsburg's writing and plotting, and her willingness to attack unlikely and even uncomfortable issues, but perhaps she's attempted too much with this book.

The art mystery here is intriguing (and much better than that from Chasing Vermeer), and Konigsburg does a wonderful job bringing together the storylines from many different directions. The idea of art stolen by Nazis and recently being rediscovered seems very topical. However, I felt that bringing together two families, from two different sides of the stolen art saga, was not only incredibly coincidental, but maybe had a theme ringing a little deeper than could be handled in even a mature YA book.

One drawback to having won two Newbery Medals is the perceived need to follow up with something, better, stronger, deeper. Yet perhaps rather than focusing on the issues, more attention could be paid to the characters and situations.

Not my favorite Konigsburg book, and not a recommended book.

DOUBT, a parable -- John Patrick Shanley

Theatre Communications Group -- tpb
New York -- ©2005 -- 58pp
ISBN: 1-55936-276-6
A one act play

2005 Pulitzer Prize Winner


A priest and a nun with doubts about the others' sincerity and motives.

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First, I will clearly state that I've never been a fan of John Patrick Shanley. That said, I enjoyed this play. Surprisingly so.

Although the sunject matter of homosexuality and the Catholic church don't particularly pique my interest, the writing on this was crisp.

What I liked the most was that this script seemed to be the archetype script as described in the first chapter of Jeffery Sweet's Solving Your Script ... "The Power of the Unsaid Word." Although not mentioned by name, the audience clearly understands what the older nun is referring to when discussing possible inappropriate meetings between a priest and a young boy. But by not actually saying the words, we are drawn in, waiting for someone to come right out and say it. Very well executed.

Unfortunately, the ending is clearly no ending. And while I've read some discussion about this, I feel cheated at not having a conclusion. I don't feel it's "clever" or "realistic" ... I feel it's a cop-out.

I AM MY OWN WIFE -- Doug Wright

Faber and Faber, Inc. -- tpb
New York -- 2004 -- 80pp
ISBN: 0-571-21174-7
2004 Pulitzer Prize Winner
2004 Tony Award Best Play

Two Act Play
1 actor

A two-act, one person play about the (in)famous German transvestite Charlotte von Mahlsdorf, who survived the Nazi regime and the Communist dictatorship of Germany.

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A very interesting play. The research was incredible and the style in which this is written is moderately unique for a popular play (to have a one-person play, but with multiple roles).

The subject is wonderfully dramatic. A transvestite. A transvestite who collects "things." In Nazi Germany.

But then comes the conflict and drama. It is suggested that she actually worked with the Nazis as an informer. Or did she? Ultimately, Charlotte's life becomes more of an enigma rather than less, the more the author gets to know her.

Despire the hollowness of the ending, it rings true, perhaps disappointing the audience.

A very interesting script.

THE UBU PLAYS -- Alfred Jarry

Grove Press, Inc. -- tpb
New York -- ©1969 -- 148pp
ISBN: 0-394-17485-2
Translated from the French by Cyril Connolly and Simon Watson Taylor

Three plays:
UBU REX
UBU CUCKOLDED
UBU ENCHAINED

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I'm doing a little Ubu research and decided to read through these plays again. I don't think I've done so since my college days.

Still off-beat an dunusual, I can better understand now, though, why this is considered to be a pre-cursor to the Theatre of the Aburd, rather than the beginning of the Absurdist movement. There are elements here that perhaps more strongly resemble the commediea del'arte theatre than the absurdist theatre.

I was struck, this time, by the high sense of political mockery here. I see this same type of theatre today.

Worth reading (or even re-reading) to those theatre lovers out there.

THE LAST KINGDOM -- Bernard Cornwell

HarperCollins Publishers -- hc
New York -- ©2005 -- 333pp
ISBN: 0-06-053051-0


With most of Britain conquered by the pagan Danes, only Alfred the Great can save his country.

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Although this book is ostensibly about Alfred the Great, and his managing to save England from the Danes, this particular book (the first of a series) is actually about Uhtred, son of Uhtred (and also son of Ragnar [a Dane]), an English eldorman and inheritor of the city of Bebbanburg.

Captured by the Danes as a youth, Uhtred is taught the Danish ways, including how to fight. As a young man, Uhtred fights for Alfred against his very friends and Danish families.

Uhtred is a character of tremendous strength and cunning. He is not unlike Conan, only written in a best-selling book, rather than in a small-press fantasy series.

I enjoyed the book, as I often enjoy bestsellers for their ease and excitement in reading, but it lacks the meat which makes it "literature" and long remembered. Still, I'll probably read others in the series.