Overview
Synopsis
Luther is John Osborne’s psychological study of Martin Luther and his journey of faith. Martin Luther, a monk who began the Protestant Reformation from the Catholic Church, struggles with self-loathing, a strained relationship with his father, and constant illness caused by anxiety over his sins. As Martin’s sermons become more heated, Martin begins to challenge the political hierarchy within the Church. Pushed to his limit by the selling of indulgences (letters which grant the owner full or partial absolution from their sins), Martin nails 95 theses to the Church door and challenges any theologian who is willing to a debate. Refusing to retract his statements and denouncing the Pope in a sermon, Luther is banished from Germany and excommunicated from his Order. However, his outspoken nature sparks a rebellion which will not be silenced by the Church. Luther won the Tony Award for Best Play in 1964, after transferring from a successful run in the West End.
Show Information
- Book
- John Osborne
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
- Number of Acts
- 3
- First Produced
- 1961
- Genres
- Drama, Historical/Biographical
- Settings
- Period, Multiple Settings
- Time & Place
- Germany, 1500s
- Cast Size
- medium
- Licensor
- Dramatic Publishing Co.
- Ideal For
- College/University, Community Theatre, Mostly Male Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Star Vehicle Male, Includes Adult, Mature Adult, Young Adult, Elderly Characters, Medium Cast
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Ensemble |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Ensemble |
Male |
Non-singer |
Songs
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
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Videos
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Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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Guide Written By:
Emma Houlahan
Canadian vocalist and actor now based in London.