In The Clap Shack

by William Styron

William Styron's play IN THE CLAP SHACK takes place on the Urological Ward of the United States Naval Hospital on a large Marine Corps base in the South. The time is the summer of 1943. The inmates represent the spectrum of imaginable unmentionable diseases-- especially in 1943. Into this den comes Wallace Magruder, an 18 year old diagnosed with a supposedly rampant case of syphilis. Magruder's fears prove worse than the reality. IN THE CLAP SHACK was first presented in December 1972 at the Yale Repertory Theatre in New Haven, Connecticut. Adult themes and language.

96 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1973

About the author

William Styron (1925–2006), born in Newport News, Virginia, was one of the greatest American writers of his generation. Styron published his first book, Lie Down in Darkness, at age twenty-six and went on to write such influential works as the controversial and Pulitzer Prize–winning The Confessions of Nat Turner and the international bestseller Sophie’s Choice.

Reviews

[Greg · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the Clap Shack centers on the experience of a young Marine named Wally Magruder in WWII. Intended as a critique of the military and authority, Magruder finds himself sent to a urology ward and surrounded by less-than-admirable individuals, all suffering from venereal disease. The soldiers, and Magruder, are dehumanized by the military treatments, and especially by Dr. Glanz. Dr. Glanz refuses to believe that Magruder is not suffering from venereal disease, and forces him to confess his experiences even though they have no bearing on his treatment. Glanz is attempting to destroy Magruder’s ideals, usurping his individual freedom for his own perverted sensibilities. Ultimately, this is a very dark comedy.

[Viki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written in play form, it is the story of soldiers during WWII being treated for veneral diseases. Rough and raw language make the story realistic.