Overview
Synopsis
Beginning in 1954, The Columnist charts the public and private life of American journalist Joseph ‘Joe’ Alsop over the course of 14 years. He is a prominent newsman and an influential figure on the Washington scene. He is also a firm believer in American exceptionalism and a vocal supporter of the nation’s involvement in the Vietnam War. However, as the landscape of America begins to change in the 1960s, Joe soon finds himself becoming increasingly out of touch and isolated as public opinion turns against the war. Joe also treads a fine line in his private life, negotiating his closeted sexuality that is compromised by pictures taken by the KGB during a set up in Moscow. The threat of being publicly outed hangs over Joe’s head throughout the course of the play. Yet even his private life becomes dated when Joe’s sexuality unfolds as a dated, open secret. David Auburn’s 2012 play offers a powerful and complex character study of one of the most influential political journalists of the mid-twentieth century.
Show Information
- Book
- David Auburn
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Mature Audiences (M)
- Number of Acts
- 2
- First Produced
- 2012
- Genres
- Drama, Historical/Biographical
- Settings
- Period, Multiple Settings
- Time & Place
- Moscow, Washington D.C., Vietnam, 1954-1968
- Cast Size
- small
- Licensor
- Dramatists Play Service
- Ideal For
- Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Star Vehicle Male, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Adult, Mature Adult, Late Teen, Young Adult Characters, Small Cast
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
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
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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