Overview
Synopsis
In an unnamed Eastern European capital city, four writers come together for the first time in several years. They meet in a former Archbishop’s palace, which was seized by the government and is now home to Marcus, an academic and novelist. Adrian, an American writer, is visiting the country but his actual reason for being there is unclear. Meanwhile, their friend Sigmund, one of the country’s most famous writers, has been speaking out against his nation and now faces imprisonment. In between them all is Maya, a former poet turned radio presenter, who has loved each of them. Upon Adrian’s arrival at the palace, he addresses the rumors that the ceiling is bugged and Marcus now works as an informer for the secret police. Although this goes unconfirmed throughout the play, all the group carefully watch their words as they discuss Sigmund’s fate. He must decide whether to flee his country and defect to the West, or stay and face the consequences but maintain his artistic integrity. Set during the Cold War, The Archbishop’s Ceiling addresses issues of morality, trust, the authenticity of art, and the need for survival.
Show Information
- Book
- Arthur Miller
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
- Number of Acts
- 2
- First Produced
- 1977
- Genres
- Drama
- Settings
- Unit/Single Set
- Time & Place
- The sitting room of the former Archbishop's palace, An unnamed Eastern European country, 1970s
- Cast Size
- small
- Licensor
- Dramatists Play Service
- Ideal For
- Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Small Cast, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Adult, Mature Adult, Young Adult Characters
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Lead |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
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
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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Guide Written By:
Alexandra Appleton
Writer, editor and theatre researcher