Explore this Show

Overview

Synopsis

Sibling rivalry takes center stage in Sam Shepard’s gritty character study. Estranged brothers Austin and Lee have reconnected at their mother’s house in the Southern California desert. With their mother in Alaska, Austin is working on a promising screenplay and trying to ignore his alcoholic, criminally inclined brother. When Lee sabotages Austin’s movie deal to secure his own lucrative offer, the brothers confront the reality that they are more like each other than they thought. Like many of Shepard’s plays, there’s a slowly boiling tension underscoring True West that rises to a violent climax. Considered Shepard’s signature play, True West is a challenging star vehicle for two strong actors who can master the subtext and psychological complexities of the characters.

Show Information

Category
Play
Age Guidance
Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
Number of Acts
2
First Produced
1980
Genres
Drama, Dark Comedy
Settings
Unit/Single Set
Time & Place
A home in Southern California, 1980s
Cast Size
small
Ideal For
Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Small Cast, Mostly Male Cast, Star Vehicle Male, Includes Adult, Mature Adult Characters

Context

Plot

Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Austin

Lead

Male

Non-singer

Lee

Lead

Male

Non-singer

Saul Kimmer

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Mom

Featured

Female

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

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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