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Overview
Synopsis
Arthur Miller’s one-act play centers on a group of men detained in Vichy, France during World War II. As they anxiously wait for inspection to determine whether they are inferior under the Nazi’s racial laws, the men come to terms with their situation and must decide what to do in the face of the unknown. Do they fight and risk mortal danger, or conform and hope for survival? Bayard, a young Socialist, argues for an intellectual rebellion, while Marchand impatiently waits for what he is confident will be a quick release. There is also an Austrian prince detained for his accent. He grapples with his complacency even though he has denounced the Nazis. The play is a grim character study and examines how the horrors of the Holocaust were able to happen. It is less well-known than Miller’s other plays but still a valuable part of his canon.
Show Information
- Book
- Arthur Miller
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
- Number of Acts
- 1
- First Produced
- 1964
- Genres
- Drama
- Settings
- Simple/No Set, Period
- Time & Place
- A detention facility in Vichy, France, 1942
- Cast Size
- large
- Licensor
- Dramatists Play Service
- Ideal For
- All-Male Cast, College/University, Ensemble Cast, Includes Young Adult, Adult, Mature Adult, Elderly, Early Teen, Late Teen Characters, Large Cast
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
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Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Ensemble |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Ensemble |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Ensemble |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Ensemble |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Ensemble |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Ensemble |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Ensemble |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Ensemble |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Ensemble |
Male |
Non-singer |
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|
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
The systematic genocide of six-million Jewish people during World War II.
A play with only one act. One-act plays may have several scenes and vary in length, from short single scenes to full-length scripts.
The war between the Axis and the Allies, beginning on September 1, 1939, with the German invasion of Poland and ending with the surrender of Germany on May 8, 1945, and of Japan on August 14, 1945.
Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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Guide Written By:
Kevan Dunkelberg
Oklahoma-based drama teacher, actor and playwright