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Overview
Synopsis
The Hairy Ape is a classic expressionist masterpiece by Eugene O’Neill. It tells the story of Yank, a laborer who prides himself on being the strongest stoker on a large, transatlantic ocean liner. He dismisses the socialist gripes and jaded frustrations of his shipmates as he believes it makes them weak. However, when Yank’s safe space in the bowels of the ship is invaded by the wealthy, socialite daughter of a steel tycoon, who brands him a “filthy beast”, his world is turned upside down. Haunted by the idea that she viewed him as nothing more than a “hairy ape”, he embarks on a journey of revenge, stumbling through the wealthy neighborhoods and disenfranchised underbelly of New York society. Yank soon realizes that he does not know where he belongs in this city and begins to question his identity and place in the world.
Show Information
- Book
- Eugene O'Neill
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
- Number of Acts
- 1
- First Produced
- 1922
- Genres
- Drama
- Settings
- Period, Multiple Settings
- Time & Place
- The engine room of an ocean liner, New York City, 1920s
- Cast Size
- medium
- Licensor
- None/royalty-free
- Ideal For
- College/University, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Star Vehicle Male, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Adult, Young Adult, Mature Adult Characters, Medium Cast
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Ensemble |
Either Gender |
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