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

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Plot

Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Lebeau

Lead

Male

Non-singer

Bayard

Lead

Male

Non-singer

Leduc

Lead

Male

Non-singer

Wilhelm Johann Von Berg

Lead

Male

Non-singer

Marchand

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Monceau

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Major

Featured

Male

Non-singer

Gypsy

Ensemble

Male

Non-singer

Waiter

Ensemble

Male

Non-singer

First Detective

Ensemble

Male

Non-singer

Second Detective

Ensemble

Male

Non-singer

Old Jew

Ensemble

Male

Non-singer

Professor

Ensemble

Male

Non-singer

Captain

Ensemble

Male

Non-singer

Boy

Ensemble

Male

Non-singer

Ferrand

Ensemble

Male

Non-singer

Guard

Ensemble

Male

Non-singer

Songs

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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

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Scenes

All scenes are the property and copyright of their owners. Scenes are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this scene, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Key Terms

    Holocaust

    The genocide of Jews and others by Nazi Germany, portrayed in theatre to memorialize victims and examine human cruelty.

    One-Act

    A short play presented in a single act without intermission, ideal for festivals, student productions, or concise storytelling.

    World War Two

    A global conflict often explored in theatre through themes of resistance, loss, trauma, and moral complexity.

Videos

Quizzes

Themes, Symbols & Motifs

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Quote Analysis

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Guide Written By:

Kevan Dunkelberg

Kevan Dunkelberg

Oklahoma-based drama teacher, actor and playwright