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The Elocution of Benjamin Franklin / When They Send Me Three and Fourpence
The author is at his best in these two comedies, with the tragi-comic heroes, gallantly fighting to keep reality at bay. Elocution of Benjamin Franklin (2 acts, 1 man); When They Send Me Three And Fourpence (2 acts, 4 men, 2 women).
120 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 1989
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
July 1, 2019
2.5, rounded up.
Although I have taught LGBT theater courses myself, I hadn't actually heard of this seminal (no pun intended) Australian work, until Harvey Fierstein mentioned it recently in an interview. It's so obscure that not a single person had read the copy I obtained through library loan (it had one of those old 'date due' stickers in the back with not a single date stamped inside!), but apparently was quite infamously notorious back when it debuted in 1976.
The first play in this diptych is the more interesting and accomplished, especially the first act, which is a tour de force monologue of one Bob O'Brien, an old, fat, down at heels speech teacher/drag queen (hence, perhaps, Mr F's passion for this) ... who becomes infatuated with his 12 year old titular stuttering student. It is brilliant and funny and poignant. The second act is a bit of a disappointment, following O'Brien's incarceration in a mental hospital, after his dalliance has been discovered.
The second play in this edition is a 'prequel' (written 7 years later, but taking place 13 years previously) when Bob is running a tacky dance studio out of a church basement, and is a more straightforward play that features none of the charm nor wit of its predecessor. The character of Bob doesn't even seem to have much in common with his earlier incarnation. I doubt either would be very stage worthy at this point, but are fascinating for historical curiosity sake.
Although I have taught LGBT theater courses myself, I hadn't actually heard of this seminal (no pun intended) Australian work, until Harvey Fierstein mentioned it recently in an interview. It's so obscure that not a single person had read the copy I obtained through library loan (it had one of those old 'date due' stickers in the back with not a single date stamped inside!), but apparently was quite infamously notorious back when it debuted in 1976.
The first play in this diptych is the more interesting and accomplished, especially the first act, which is a tour de force monologue of one Bob O'Brien, an old, fat, down at heels speech teacher/drag queen (hence, perhaps, Mr F's passion for this) ... who becomes infatuated with his 12 year old titular stuttering student. It is brilliant and funny and poignant. The second act is a bit of a disappointment, following O'Brien's incarceration in a mental hospital, after his dalliance has been discovered.
The second play in this edition is a 'prequel' (written 7 years later, but taking place 13 years previously) when Bob is running a tacky dance studio out of a church basement, and is a more straightforward play that features none of the charm nor wit of its predecessor. The character of Bob doesn't even seem to have much in common with his earlier incarnation. I doubt either would be very stage worthy at this point, but are fascinating for historical curiosity sake.
January 8, 2008
I loved this play, although this isn't the edition I read, which came with When they Send Up Three and Fourpence.
I really like plays with one actor in them - this is something an actor can really get his teeth into. Lots of themes that will do much to make lots of people feel uncomfortable - this is about a middle aged man falling in love with a teenage boy - a bit like Death in Venice, accept not set in Venice and no one dies. So, exactly the same.
I've only ever read these two plays of Spears, I'm not quite sure why, as I really enjoyed this one and didn't mind the other.
So, if there is ever a series of dramatic monologues playing in your part of the world written in Melbourne in the 1970s - this will probably be part of the series and it is well worth seeing.
I really like plays with one actor in them - this is something an actor can really get his teeth into. Lots of themes that will do much to make lots of people feel uncomfortable - this is about a middle aged man falling in love with a teenage boy - a bit like Death in Venice, accept not set in Venice and no one dies. So, exactly the same.
I've only ever read these two plays of Spears, I'm not quite sure why, as I really enjoyed this one and didn't mind the other.
So, if there is ever a series of dramatic monologues playing in your part of the world written in Melbourne in the 1970s - this will probably be part of the series and it is well worth seeing.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews