THE GREAT GOD BROWN
a drama
by Eugene O’Neill |
PERFORMANCES: May 11, 18, 25 2008 @ 2:00pm |
Directed by Vanita Rae
Smith
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| William “Billy” Brown, a mediocre architect, and Dion Anthony, a talented but dissolute artist are
both in love with Margaret, who chooses Dion because she is in love with the sensual. cynical
mask he presents to the world. But when he removes his mask she is repulsed. Frustrated at
being unable to realize his artistic promise, Dion sinks deeper into his self-destuctive habits and
soon dies. Billy, who has always been jealous of Dion’s talent, steals Dion’s mask and takes on his
persona. He marries Margaret, who believes that he is Dion. Billy is eventually accused of the murder
of his “old” self and is shot by the police. Margaret continues to worship Dion’s mask. The
Great God Brown was significant for its symbolic use of masks and for its experimentation with
Expressionistic dialogue and action-devices that since have become commonly accepted both on
the stage and in motion pictures. In spite of its confusing structure, the play is rich in symbolism
and poetry, and was a forerunner of the avant-garde movement in American theatre. |
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