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.
The Archbishop's Ceiling guide sections
