The Hole

by N.F. Simpson

The hole is in the road. In the depths of it workmen are working. At the top, a man with a camp stool, vacuum flask, haversack, and other necessities for a long vigil is forming the nucleus of a queue. From time to time curious folk gather round and wonder what is going on below. Each gazes into the hole and sees a different significance to the events down there. Their theories are ingenious but contradictory. With the fanaticism of the scientist, the politician and the preacher, each tries to convince the others. Produced in London with great success.

50 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1958

About the author

Norman Frederick Simpson was an English playwright closely associated with the Theatre of the Absurd. His first play A Resounding Tinkle (1957) was produced at the Royal Court Theatre and many of his most famous plays, including The Hole (1958), One Way Pendulum (1959) and The Cresta Run (1964) were staged at the Royal Court. Simpson published several novels and wrote many sketches and comedy pieces for radio and television.

Reviews

[David]

Second of two Simpson plays that I directed with my high school company in the mid-1980s. The other was "Was He Anyone?".