Preston Jones's plays stand out for their profound focus on character over plot, the poetic nature of everyday dialogue, and recurring themes centered around the passage of time. His characters, often marginalized and labeled as failures, however, possess an inherent strength and depth, revealing the playwright's empathetic exploration of humanity. Although his plots may lack complexity, his language and character development have cemented his place as a significant figure in American theater.

Character Over Plot

Jones's plays are characterized by a remarkable ability to delve deep into character rather than plot. Much like the works of Chekhov, his plays often forgo dramatic tension, prioritizing the authenticity of human experience. The realism in his dialogue captures the idiosyncratic and rhythmic nature of everyday language, which, despite its often coarse exterior, resonates with a poetic quality. This dialogue is the main vehicle for developing his characters, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with the struggles and idiosyncrasies of ordinary people.

Exploring Universal Themes

Central to Jones's work are the themes of time, loneliness, and the fear of failure. His characters, typically depicted as lonely and isolated, grapple with the relentless passage of time and the changes it brings. These themes are explored through the lens of characters who, by conventional standards, might be seen as failures, yet they embody a resilience and emotional richness that transcend their circumstances. This exploration is consistently rendered with a balance of humor and empathy, drawing audiences into a shared understanding of human frailty and strength.

A New Force in American Theater

Jones's plays have contributed significantly to the recognition of regional theaters and playwrights, establishing him as an influential force in American theater. Despite some criticisms of plot thinness and an overreliance on Southwestern settings, the strength of his characters and the poetic realism of his dialogue have earned him acclaim. His works are deeply rooted in the life and culture of the American Southwest but manage to address broader, universally relevant human issues.

A Texas Trilogy

Jones's most renowned work, A Texas Trilogy, comprises three plays: The Last Meeting of the Knights of the White Magnolia, Lu Ann Hampton Laverty Oberlander, and The Oldest Living Graduate. Unlike conventional trilogies, these plays are unified not by continuous events but by their setting, characters, and thematic concerns. Each play stands independently yet addresses the interconnected themes of personal failure, isolation, and the inexorable passage of time.

The Last Meeting of the Knights of the White Magnolia

The first in the trilogy, The Last Meeting of the Knights of the White Magnolia, unfolds in the context of a social lodge meeting. The simplicity of the plot contrasts with the complex social dynamics it explores, as the lodge's outdated ideals of white supremacy and patriotism clash with the social upheavals of the late 1950s and early 1960s. Despite their ignorance and bigotry, the characters are portrayed with sympathy, highlighting their need for community and companionship.

Lu Ann Hampton Laverty Oberlander

This play shifts focus to an individual character, Lu Ann, tracing her journey from a hopeful cheerleader to a woman shaped by life's trials. Over twenty years, Lu Ann endures divorce, her brother's alcoholism, and her mother's illness, emerging with a quiet dignity and resilience. The character of Skip, Lu Ann's brother, serves as a counterpoint, illustrating a decline into dependency and highlighting the contrasts in their respective responses to life's challenges.

The Oldest Living Graduate

The trilogy concludes with The Oldest Living Graduate , centering on Colonel Kinkaid, whose values and attitudes are relics of the past. His conflict with his son, a modern...