Book 10: Our Town
Originally posted by 
audrey_e at Book 10: Our Town
audrey_e at Book 10: Our Town10 OUR TOWN Thornton Wilder (USA, 1938)
The lives and deaths of average citizens in the (fictional) town of Grover's Corners.
Our Town is a Pulitzer Prize for Drama winner.
Our Town is famous for its break of the fourth wall, omniscient stage manager and lack of props. In that sense, it was very interesting to read a play so significant to the history of theater.
Having said that, I can't say that I was impressed by it. Yeah, I get it, Our Town is a portrayal of the mundane beauty of everyday life we forget to enjoy until it's taken away from us. The truth is, I can't imagine spending money for an expensive performance of "Eat your breakfast" and "Oh my God my little boy has grown up". The third act, the one dealing with death and the afterlife, is the only memorable one out of the three as it includes some very touching scenes. In fact, the two first acts only exist for the third one to be possible. But it doesn't save the play from being slightly boring.
It's still a must read for anyone interested in the development of theater in America.
3/5
The lives and deaths of average citizens in the (fictional) town of Grover's Corners.
Our Town is a Pulitzer Prize for Drama winner.
Our Town is famous for its break of the fourth wall, omniscient stage manager and lack of props. In that sense, it was very interesting to read a play so significant to the history of theater.
Having said that, I can't say that I was impressed by it. Yeah, I get it, Our Town is a portrayal of the mundane beauty of everyday life we forget to enjoy until it's taken away from us. The truth is, I can't imagine spending money for an expensive performance of "Eat your breakfast" and "Oh my God my little boy has grown up". The third act, the one dealing with death and the afterlife, is the only memorable one out of the three as it includes some very touching scenes. In fact, the two first acts only exist for the third one to be possible. But it doesn't save the play from being slightly boring.
It's still a must read for anyone interested in the development of theater in America.
3/5