Beggar on Horseback: A Play in Two Parts

By George S Kaufman

"Beggar on Horseback" is a landmark satirical play by George S. Kaufman that masterfully blends expressionist techniques with sharp social commentary. The narrative centers on Neil McRae, a gifted but impoverished composer who finds himself at a crossroads: should he pursue his artistic passion or marry into a wealthy, soul-crushing business family to secure his financial future?

The play is most famous for its elaborate dream sequence, which transforms the mundane pressures of Neil's life into a surreal, nightmarish spectacle of industrial efficiency and social absurdity. Through its innovative structure and biting wit, "Beggar on Horseback" critiques the early 20th-century obsession with commercialism and the stifling effects of corporate conformity on the creative spirit.

Rich with humor and avant-garde staging elements, this two-part play remains a significant work of American drama. It offers a poignant exploration of the eternal conflict between artistic integrity and the allure of material security, making it a timeless piece for students of theater and fans of classic satire.

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• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1025294424
• ISBN13: 9781025294421
• Release Date: February 2026
• Publisher: Tradd Street Press
• Length: 248 Pages
• Weight: 1.16 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.1" x 9.2"