A Life in the Theatre

by David Mamet

Start Free Trial

Summary

Download PDF PDF Page Citation Cite Share Link Share

Act One: Backstage Footlights

A Life in the Theatre unfolds in the hidden corridors behind the stage, moments after an electrifying opening night. Amidst the fading echoes of applause, two actors engage in conversation. The seasoned Robert exchanges words with John, a fresh face in the world of theater. With a nod of approval, Robert commends John's performance and inquires about his post-show plans. John mentions an impending dinner engagement, returning the compliment but subtly critiquing Robert's portrayal as "brittle" in one particular scene. When Robert probes further, John deflects, placing the onus on the actress involved. Robert, ever the philosopher, muses on the life of an actor. He seeks John's opinion on another scene, to which John responds with flattery. Seizing the moment, Robert waxes lyrical about his artistic prowess. John extends an invitation to dinner, and as they depart, he spots remnants of makeup on Robert’s face, dutifully retrieving a tissue to erase them.

Act Two: The Wardrobe Dilemma

In the wardrobe alcove, John frets over being an obstacle in Robert's path. Unperturbed, Robert delivers a soliloquy. However, John's reaction is one of casual indifference.

Act Three: In the Trenches

The curtain rises to reveal the duo ensconced in a World War I tableau. John's character is overcome with grief over a comrade's demise at enemy hands. Robert, portraying a calming presence, attempts to pacify him. Defiantly, John's character opts to charge into battle, only to meet a tragic end offstage.

Act Four: The Art of Swordplay

After the final bow, Robert critiques John's swordsmanship in their Elizabethan drama. He demonstrates the correct technique, and together they practice until perfected.

Act Five: The Actor's Craft

With authority, Robert lectures John about the common neglect of voice and accent training among actors. The grating sounds offend his sensibilities. He emphasizes the necessity of stylistic growth, urging John to stand tall. When John questions his posture, Robert bluntly denies its correctness.

Act Six: Balancing Life and Theater

At day's end, John is on the phone, explaining his inability to meet someone due to commitments with Robert. Upon Robert's appearance, he advises John to cultivate a life beyond the stage. John, however, keeps the caller's identity a secret.

Act Seven: Morning Rehearsal

The next morning, they cross paths on their way to rehearsal. Robert's demeanor is one of warmth, contrasting with John's cooler manner.

Act Eight: Pre-Performance Rituals

Seated at the makeup table, Robert and John prepare for the evening's performance. Robert anticipates a remarkable show, but soon fixates on John's new brush. Their exchange grows tense, with Robert eventually acknowledging John's meticulous care for his belongings. He requests moderation in their shared scene, offending John with his insinuations.

A wardrobe malfunction ensues when Robert's zipper breaks. Eager to help, John attempts to secure it with a pin, yet struggles with the task.

Act Nine: The Legal Drama

The scene transitions to a lawyer's office, where Robert embodies the legal expert. John's character, David, disrupts the peace with news of his wife's pregnancy by the lawyer. Amidst the tension, Robert falters but quickly recovers his lines. The scene concludes with Robert's character questioning his own safety in the face of David's revelation.

Act Ten: Unseen Adversaries

In the wardrobe realm, Robert fumes at an unidentified "them." Despite John's earnest inquiries, the mystery remains unsolved.

Act Eleven: Forgetful Lines

During their performance, Robert repeatedly forgets his lines, prompting John to step in and offer cues.

Act Twelve: Costume Grievances

As they change backstage, Robert laments the infrequent laundering of their costumes. He queries John's fatigue, to which John admits only a smidgen.

(This entire section contains 1316 words.)

Unlock this Study Guide Now

Start your 48-hour free trial and get ahead in class. Boost your grades with access to expert answers and top-tier study guides. Thousands of students are already mastering their assignments—don't miss out. Cancel anytime.

Get 48 Hours Free Access

As they change backstage, Robert laments the infrequent laundering of their costumes. He queries John's fatigue, to which John admits only a smidgen.

Act Thirteen: Script Explorations

Amidst the pages of a new script, Robert contemplates the playwright's intentions. As John delivers his lines, Robert interrupts with musings and suggestions, reflecting his own preferences.

Act Fourteen: Dining Discussions

Over a meal at the makeup table, Robert inquires about John's audition. John's positive report leads Robert to philosophize on perceptions and self-worth in the acting realm. Robert expresses his hope that John lands the role.

Act Fifteen: Dressing for Drama

In the dressing room, Robert voices his belief that the play would benefit from greater experimentation.

Act Sixteen: Monologue Mishap

On stage, Robert delivers a monologue, only to stumble over his words.

Act Seventeen: A Lesson in Etiquette

At the makeup table once more, Robert's contemplations on surrounding objects are interrupted by John's plea for silence. Offended, Robert accuses John of breaching theatrical protocol, asserting his intent to educate. Although John apologizes, Robert's forgiveness remains elusive, leaving them at a standstill.

Act Eighteen: Lifeboat Revisited

The duo performs the lifeboat scene previously rehearsed, with Robert again forgetting lines. John delivers a closing monologue, questioning Robert's character's comprehension.

Act Nineteen: Winged Apprehensions

Awaiting their cue in the wings, Robert mutters to himself while John seeks help recalling a forgotten line. Despite Robert's efforts, his memory fails him, causing John to miss his cue. Panic-stricken, John eventually makes his entrance.

Act Twenty: Street Clothes and Compliments

Backstage, John transitions into street attire as Robert enters, muttering until he notices John's new sweater, offering a warm commendation.

John waits impatiently on the phone backstage, caught in limbo as the minutes tick by. Suddenly, Robert bursts in, grumbling about the numerous hands dipping into his paycheck. Eager for camaraderie, he suggests they grab a drink together. Just then, the person John has been waiting for finally answers, allowing him to schedule an appointment. Left to his own devices, Robert heads out solo to drown his frustrations.

Scene 22

Both John and Robert are in the dressing room, removing their theatrical masks. Robert is in a huff, vexed by the critics who have lavished too much praise on John's recent performance. John listens with a patient ear, though his mind diverges. In a jest, Robert calls him a "twit" and cheekily grabs one of John's towels. Irritated, John insists he use his own.

Scene 23

The stage is dimly lit as John practices his lines alone, searching for the perfect delivery. Robert unexpectedly interrupts, admitting he's been spying on John's rehearsal. With a newfound respect, Robert declares John has blossomed into a fine actor. He muses that the theater is woven into the very fabric of life, then exits. As John returns to his rehearsal, he senses Robert's gaze still upon him. Calling him out, he spots tears shimmering in Robert's eyes. Robert gathers himself and feigns departure, yet lingers still.

Scene 24

Within the confines of a hospital set, John and Robert don the roles of surgeons in the midst of an intricate operation. A disagreement erupts between them over their place in the script. John delivers his line confidently, but Robert dismisses it with a shake of his head, struggling to recall his next speech. Robert is convinced they're further along in the play. Frustrated, John strides offstage, leaving Robert alone in the spotlight. As Robert speaks to the audience, the curtain descends, cutting him off.

Scene 25

Backstage chaos reigns as Robert nurses a severe cut on his left wrist. John, alarmed, insists on escorting him to a hospital or a doctor, but Robert stubbornly refuses, claiming he's alright. He also declines John's offer to take him home, instead choosing to sit quietly and gather himself after John departs.

Scene 26

The curtain has fallen, and Robert and John exchange warm praises for their performances. Robert shares a personal revelation—his father always dreamed of him gracing the stage. As John prepares to leave, Robert inquires about his plans. John mentions heading to a party, prompting Robert to reflect on the actor's life. John asks for a loan, which Robert readily provides before John exits. Alone on stage, Robert speaks to the empty seats, offering his gratitude for their silent audience. John returns briefly, reminding Robert that the theater is closing up. With a final farewell, John departs once more, and Robert bids the night "good."

Next

Themes

Loading...