Not Revival, But Rediscovery Long Day's Journey into Night by Eugene O'Neill

Perhaps the worst thing that can happen to a play is to become revered. Directors and actors fear to alter any detail of the approach taken by their forerunners, above all to find revitalizing energy or laughter. This static worship typically kills a spectator's pleasure and misrepresents the author: Ibsen, Chekhov and Beckett wrote comedies, albeit sour or brooding ones, yet the works are often presented on so grim and sterile a landscape that the suicide of a major character seems a natural response, not a sickening climax. Much the same thing has happened to Eugene O'Neill's Long Day's Journey into...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!