by Charles Mee
First published 2018
Charles Mee transforms historical moments into theatrical provocations that break conventional rules. In "The Life of George Washington," America's founding father confronts the contradictions of his legacy. "Full Circle" retells the ancient chalk circle judgment tale with contemporary urgency and hope. "The War to End War" spins arguments about conflict through intellectual detours that challenge audiences. "Lusthaus" places Freud and Hitler in the same pre-war Vienna, creating a hothouse where sensuality mingles with emerging fascism. "Gone" and "Requiem for the Dead" complete this collection that violates playwriting conventions through sheer intellectual force. Each play blends dance, music, and drama into seamless theatrical experiences. Mee presents civilizations becoming complicit in their own destruction while maintaining belief that good may emerge from turbulent times. These works express hope with passion, strength, and joy, proving that smart theater can captivate smart audiences.
Genres: drama, plays, literary-fiction, historical-fiction, 20th-century, 21st-century
Vibes: intimate, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: intellectual, unconventional
Setting: Vienna
Period: Pre-War
430 pages · Paperback · CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Content warnings: violence