The Dresser (Masterplots II: Drama, Revised Edition)
At a glance:
- Author: Ronald Horwitz
- First Published: 1980
- Type of Plot: War; tragicomedy
- Time of Work: January, 1942
- Setting: A small theater in the English provinces
- Principal Characters: Norman, Sir, Her Ladyship, Madge
- Genres: Drama, War drama, Tragicomedy
- Subjects: Acting or actors, Twentieth century, 1940’s, World War II, Friendship, Theater, Theaters, Shakespeare, William, or Shakespearean plays, Performing arts, Plays or playwrights
- Locales: England
The Play
A two-act play, The Dresser is set in the principal dressing room, corridor, and wings of an unspecified provincial theater in England, in January, 1942. Present are Norman, Sir’s dresser, and Her Ladyship, Sir’s personal and professional partner. They are discussing the bizarre behavior and state of mind of Sir, who is elderly and becoming feeble: Earlier in the day he was out in the local marketplace, in the rain, undressing and crying, and has been taken to hospital. Her Ladyship and Madge want to cancel the performance, but Norman demurs.
Sir...
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