Arthur Miller's Playing for Time

By Arthur Miller

Book Overview

Play, Screenplay, Theatre, Drama, Contemporary Theatre, Television Play This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 087129267X
• ISBN13: 9780871292674
• Release Date: June 1985
• Publisher: Dramatic Pub Co
• Weight: 0.22 lbs.
• Dimensions: 7.3" x 0.3" x 5.0"

Customer Reviews

Little known Miller work, but a great story

I just wish this play was produced more often, but I can see why it is challenging to produce with all of the various musical elements. It seems like a great show, however, and would be great for production by an all girls school or a drama company that is heavy on females.

Music of the Soul

Though the title may mislead some, the story is based in a concentration camp during the Holocaust. Adapted from a story of the same name by Fania Fenelon, Arthur Miller creates a moving stage play that seems reasonable for even a low budget theater to run. While not as well known, it ranks in blunt emotion with other Miller works "Death of a Salesman" and "All My Sons". Fania Fenelon narrates the story as the main character. Taken from France during the war, she quickly forms a friendship with the young Marianne. Their friendship is tested often through their choices and alliances. Fania is able to maintain a more confortable life in the concentration camp. Because of her musical ability, she is made to join the orchestra for which she eventually becomes the conductor. Despite a lack of musical knowledge, she is even able to gain Marianna membership in the musical group. Yet even as rumors of the end of the war swirl, tempers begin to boil in and outside of the orchestra causing illness, death, and ill-advised escape attempts. In his body of work as perhaps the greatest American playwright, Miller has not shunned controversial themes. In fact, many of his works involve Judaism and the Holocaust. Because this centers around women, it is unique to Miller particularly because of the strong will of female characters in the story. I would embrace the opportunity to see this performed live.

Playing for Time ROCKS!

Anyone who enjoys plays will love this script...especially if you're alreaady a fan of Arthur Miller (author of other assorted plays, including Death of a Salesman) You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll be enraged, you'll experience empathy for the characters, it will touch your heart...what makes this play so incredible is that it is based on a true story--from actual interviews Miller had with the main character. A must-read!

devistatlingly true

I have both read and performed this play and it is one of the greats. The realism in it scary. If you are doing research on the holocost READ THIS.