Never Swim Alone and This Is a Play

by Daniel MacIvor

This book contains two of the most enduring plays from one of Canada's most accomplished playwrights and performers. A funny, satirical story, Never Swim Alone is about two men locked in a ruthless... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0887545246
• ISBN13: 9780887545245
• Release Date: January 1997
• Publisher: Playwrights Canada Press
• Length: 104 Pages
• Weight: 0.32 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 5.8" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

Friends, no, Competitors 'till Death

I attended the WET production in Seattle last year and was blown away. Never Swim Alone is a boxing match between two friends, scarred by an earlier event, who's every move is aimed at defeating the other, with a ghost from their childhood as referee. The men are very similar yet fundamentally different and you will appreciate the development not only of their characters and but also an insightful look into male relationships both profound and twisted. The friends are caught in a sisyphean battle to set themselves apart, above and beyond their fears and inadequacies while the effects of their competition may tragically influence those around them. The suggested staging is unique, with lots of physicality for such a philosophical play, and lots of drama (with a bit of farce and melodrama possible) as well. This play could be about so many things: love, friendship, self-knowledge, capitalism, corporate greed, murder, guilt, revenge -- depending on how it is produced possibly all. I think this play would be excellent for production (I saw such a wonderful production of it!), scene study, monologues, and probably reading as well, although I imagine the physicality might be lost if not actually playing it.

A great work by a great playwright

When I saw this play performed, I knew I wanted to direct it one day. A few years later, as we rehearsed this play, the cast and I discovered what a singular talent MacIvor is. Time after time, someone would remark, "This is such a rich script." Two threads weave through this stylish piece of modern theatre: memories of an idyllic summer at the beach that goes tragically wrong, and a present-day one upmanship contest between two men in (nearly) identical suits, judged by a referee in a blue bathing suit, who bears a striking resemblance to the girl on the beach. MacIvor is an absolute master of language, and this script shows his powers at their greatest.