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Shrivings: A play in three acts
First edition hard cover, with an unclipped dust jacket, both in very good condition. General shelf and handling wear, including rubbing, tanning and light wear to DJ. Light tanning and foxing to pageblock head. Red cloth boards are in fine condition, pages tightly bound, and content unmarked. CN
105 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 1974
About the author
Peter Shaffer
70 books182 followersSir Peter Levin Shaffer was an English dramatist, author of numerous award-winning plays, several of which have been filmed.
See also http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Sh...
See also http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Sh...
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
October 31, 2012
An unusual piece, this: a published play that appears never to have been performed in the form presented ( I think it’s available only as part of a 3 play anthology including, Equus and Five Finger Exercise). But the author wanted this piece out there, even if it wasn’t performed. And I can see why.
This is a device to project certain philosophical views and beliefs rather than a piece of true drama, though it does contain the usual elements of the stage play. As is commonly the case with Shaffer, the setting and the stage directions are precise, leaving no doubt about the intended platform or the actors’ movements and disposition. In this sense, the writer acts much like a director in determining the staging of his work.
The characters, three men and a young woman, are all exquisitely penned and their interactions jump from the page with credible drama. Set around the end of the 1960s and much associated with the peace movements of the time, the play explores what it means to be a pacifist in a real sense. Using the conflicts and relationships that spring from family, friendship, sex, love and hero-worship, Shaffer puts his players through emotional hell in a way that illuminates the variety and depth of the human spirit. Several of the scenes are so powerful they will stay with me for a long time.
What could so easily have descended into banal bickering, is elevated to considered and emotionally charged discussion that resounds with truth and insight. This is not a play to enjoy; in fact, I have my doubts about whether it would be possible to perform it successfully before a theatre audience because of the detail and depth of meaning that dwells within many of the passages. But, as a reading of the text, it works very well and serves to educate in an entertaining manner, whilst throwing some light on the motives of some of those involved in the early peace movements.
It’s a very human play. There is real love behind the depiction of the characters, allowing the reader to empathise with all four, whilst seeing their weaknesses. Something to give cause for thought to both pacifists and warmongers, I recommend this deeply affecting piece of writing to all readers who enjoy challenges to their belief systems, philosophy and lifestyle. Try it; I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
This is a device to project certain philosophical views and beliefs rather than a piece of true drama, though it does contain the usual elements of the stage play. As is commonly the case with Shaffer, the setting and the stage directions are precise, leaving no doubt about the intended platform or the actors’ movements and disposition. In this sense, the writer acts much like a director in determining the staging of his work.
The characters, three men and a young woman, are all exquisitely penned and their interactions jump from the page with credible drama. Set around the end of the 1960s and much associated with the peace movements of the time, the play explores what it means to be a pacifist in a real sense. Using the conflicts and relationships that spring from family, friendship, sex, love and hero-worship, Shaffer puts his players through emotional hell in a way that illuminates the variety and depth of the human spirit. Several of the scenes are so powerful they will stay with me for a long time.
What could so easily have descended into banal bickering, is elevated to considered and emotionally charged discussion that resounds with truth and insight. This is not a play to enjoy; in fact, I have my doubts about whether it would be possible to perform it successfully before a theatre audience because of the detail and depth of meaning that dwells within many of the passages. But, as a reading of the text, it works very well and serves to educate in an entertaining manner, whilst throwing some light on the motives of some of those involved in the early peace movements.
It’s a very human play. There is real love behind the depiction of the characters, allowing the reader to empathise with all four, whilst seeing their weaknesses. Something to give cause for thought to both pacifists and warmongers, I recommend this deeply affecting piece of writing to all readers who enjoy challenges to their belief systems, philosophy and lifestyle. Try it; I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
February 6, 2017
10. Shrivings by Peter Shaffer
Shrivings is the name of a retreat run by Gideon, a charismatic philosopher working for peace. David is one of his followers, as is Lois, who is also Gideon’s caretaker. David’s father, Mark, is a writer who used to be one of Gideon’s best friends, but he has cut off both David and Gideon. He has also tormented his paralyzed wife to death. Mark wants to offload his guilt onto Gideon and shame David. Gideon has sworn that he will not banish Mark, but Mark’s behaviour becomes more disgusting, to the point of seducing Lois, who is theoretically David’s girlfriend. It is interesting to note that this play has never had a staged production. Usually it is actors who are accused of chewing the scenery, but in this case, it is just about written in the stage directions. I really wonder if four actors could keep up the intensity of the dialogue and action play for its whole length.
Shrivings is the name of a retreat run by Gideon, a charismatic philosopher working for peace. David is one of his followers, as is Lois, who is also Gideon’s caretaker. David’s father, Mark, is a writer who used to be one of Gideon’s best friends, but he has cut off both David and Gideon. He has also tormented his paralyzed wife to death. Mark wants to offload his guilt onto Gideon and shame David. Gideon has sworn that he will not banish Mark, but Mark’s behaviour becomes more disgusting, to the point of seducing Lois, who is theoretically David’s girlfriend. It is interesting to note that this play has never had a staged production. Usually it is actors who are accused of chewing the scenery, but in this case, it is just about written in the stage directions. I really wonder if four actors could keep up the intensity of the dialogue and action play for its whole length.
February 25, 2015
Peter Shaffer writes in the preface that this play has never been performed. I think that is a good thing. The passages in this are long, complex, and rich in detail. It works well in writing but I think it would have suffered as theatre.
The play explores the nature of pacifism. What does it mean to be a true pacifist? What is the real price of idealism? I am not sure if it answers these questions adequately but it is thought-provoking at every turn.
Fundamentally, it has the same structure as Five Finger Exercise: a stranger enters the family and shows them all the tears in the fabric. The stranger, however, is never a cause and always merely a catalyst.
Brash and brutal but not brilliant; more importantly, however, never a boring moment.
The play explores the nature of pacifism. What does it mean to be a true pacifist? What is the real price of idealism? I am not sure if it answers these questions adequately but it is thought-provoking at every turn.
Fundamentally, it has the same structure as Five Finger Exercise: a stranger enters the family and shows them all the tears in the fabric. The stranger, however, is never a cause and always merely a catalyst.
Brash and brutal but not brilliant; more importantly, however, never a boring moment.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews