Explore this Show
Overview
Synopsis
Beyond the Horizon tells the story of brothers Andrew (a farmer) and Robert (a poet). While Andrew plans to inherit the family farm and stay on the land, Robert - now recovered from a lengthy illness - will set sail with his uncle, and venture throughout the world. But before he leaves, Robert discovers his love for the girl-next-door, Ruth Atkins, the woman the families thought would marry Andrew. In newfound romance, Robert stays to farm, while Andrew leaves to the sea. Three years later, Andrew returns to a farm in ruins, his father dead, and Ruth bitter. While fully intending to fix his family, Andrew is called away and returns five years later to a farm even more desolate and in despair. Written in classic Eugene O’Neill style, Beyond the Horizon explores the bonds of brotherhood in the face of all adversity - even until the very end.
Show Information
- Book
- Eugene O'Neill
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
- Number of Acts
- 3
- First Produced
- 1920
- Genres
- Drama
- Settings
- Period, Multiple Settings
- Time & Place
- mayo farm, spring, summer three years later, fall five years later
- Cast Size
- medium
- Licensor
- None/royalty-free
- Ideal For
- College/University, Community Theatre, Ensemble Cast, High School, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Theatre, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Young Adult, Adult, Mature Adult, Child Characters, Medium Cast
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
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Lead |
Male |
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Lead |
Female |
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Lead |
Male |
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Supporting |
Male |
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Supporting |
Female |
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Supporting |
Male |
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Supporting |
Female |
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Featured |
Female |
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Featured |
Male |
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Featured |
Male |
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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
A movement emphasizing accurate, detailed depictions of everyday life, rejecting theatricality for authenticity.
A theatrical movement that strives to depict everyday life and authentic behavior on stage. It often focuses on domestic settings and psychological depth.
Videos
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Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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Guide Written By:
Cindi Calhoun
Theatre teacher, director, writer, and seamstress