The Cave Dwellers: A Play In Two Acts

by William Saroyan

A play, in two acts and ten scenes, happens within the space of a few days, on the stage of an abandoned theatre on the lower East Side of New York, in the midst of a slum clearing project.

Genres: Plays

126 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1958

About the author

William Saroyan was an Armenian-American writer, renowned for his novels, plays, and short stories. He gained widespread recognition for his unique literary style, often characterized by a deep appreciation for everyday life and human resilience. His works frequently explored themes of Armenian-American immigrant experiences, particularly in his native California, and were infused with optimism, humor, and sentimentality.
Saroyan's breakthrough came with The Daring Young Man on the Flying Trapeze (1934), a short story that established him as a major literary voice during the Great Depression. He went on to win the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1940 for The Time of Your Life, though he declined the award, and in 1943, he won an Academy Award for Best Story for The Human Comedy. His novel My Name Is Aram (1940), based on his childhood, became an international bestseller.
Though celebrated for his literary achievements, Saroyan had a tumultuous career, often struggling with financial instability due to his gambling habits and an unwillingness to compromise with Hollywood. His later works were less commercially successful, but he remained a prolific writer, publishing essays, memoirs, and plays throughout his life.
Saroyan's legacy endures through his influence on American literature, his contributions to Armenian cultural identity, and the honors bestowed upon him, including a posthumous induction into the American Theater Hall of Fame. His remains are divided between Fresno, California, and Armenia, reflecting his deep connection to both his birthplace and ancestral homeland.

Reviews

[Eric Hinkle · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 2nd favorite Saroyan play thus far. It's not quite as poignant as The Time of Your Life, but it's far dreamier and with a very strange setting. I thought the whole concept was very unique, and the cast of characters is brilliant and not likely to be forgotten. Saroyan is as humane and engaging as ever, and he almost always creates his characters to be people you'd want to spend time with yourself - which is exactly what you're doing with a play, actually.

Some of the sentiments here get a little wordy, and even a little confusing and contradictory, but overall that does not change the fact that this is an essential play. I'd love to see it performed.

[Staky · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5