Wenceslas Square

by Larry Shue

Vince Carey is an Indiana theatre director and teacher who witnessed the inspiring work of Czechoslovakian theatre artists and has been writing a book reflecting their thoughts and ideals. Now six years later, that book is ready for publication and Vince returns to update the story with a final chapter. However, traveling with Bob Dooley, a young student who serves as his photographer, he finds a totally changed atmosphere and a once daring artistic community who now live in fear, their talents buried by the terror and repression of a totalitarian state. And Vince is torn by a whether or not to publish his book and jeopardise the careers and lives of those who helped him.

Genres: Plays, Theatre

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1988

Reviews

[AR · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

The ending felt a little abrupt to me, but I’d definitely be interested in seeing this on the stage sometime.

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a real departure from the outrageous comedies of Larry Shue ... The Nerd and The Foreigner.

While still peppered with humor (some language confusion reminded me of early Ionesco), this play has a dark and depressing over-tone.

The minimal cast mirrors the Czech theatre scene that Vince is longing to see again, yet is feels very dated as I read through it now. I don't see it going over well in the community theatre scene, as the two comedies certainly do.

An interesting play, and I'm glad I just (re)read it, but I am not surprised that it hasn't had much life.

[John Nondorf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not an uproarious comedy like The Nerd or The Foreigner though there are some very funny moments. This play is about artists in Czechoslovakia in the years of Soviet rule after the Prague Spring. Brief but insightful and well written.

[Chambers Stevens · Rating 3 out of 5]

I saw the world premiere of this play in Wisconsin.
Very interesting but I think I like the Foreigner better.