Title and Overview
This Is Our Youth, a play by Kenneth Lonergan, explores 48 hours in the lives of three affluent youths navigating identity and financial misadventures in 1980s Manhattan․
1․1 Title of the Play
This Is Our Youth, written by Kenneth Lonergan, is a poignant drama set in Manhattan during the early 1980s; The play follows three affluent young adults navigating identity crises, financial misadventures, and personal growth over a 48-hour period․ It offers a raw portrayal of youthful disillusionment and the challenges of transitioning into adulthood amidst societal upheaval․
1․2 Brief Summary of the Play
This Is Our Youth follows three affluent young adults—Dennis, Warren, and Jessica—navigating identity crises, financial misadventures, and personal growth over 48 hours in 1982 Manhattan․ The play captures their disillusionment with societal expectations and their struggles to find purpose, offering a raw, humorous, and poignant look at the challenges of transitioning into adulthood during a tumultuous era․
Setting of the Play
This Is Our Youth is set in the early 1980s on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, reflecting a backdrop of cultural upheaval and shifting societal norms during this era․
2․1 Time Period
This Is Our Youth is set in March 1982, capturing the cultural shift and disillusionment of young adults transitioning into the Reagan era, reflecting the era’s societal upheaval and its impact on the characters’ lives․
2․2 Location
The play is set in Dennis’s small, impersonal one-room apartment on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in March 1982․ This specific location reflects the characters’ disconnected lives and serves as a backdrop for their struggles with identity and disillusionment in a rapidly changing world․
Plot Summary
This Is Our Youth follows 48 hours in the lives of three affluent young adults—Dennis, Warren, and Jessica—navigating identity, financial missteps, and personal relationships in 1980s Manhattan․
3․1 Main Events of the Play
The play unfolds over 48 hours in March 1982, focusing on three young friends—Dennis, Warren, and Jessica—living on Manhattan’s Upper West Side․ The story begins in Dennis’s small apartment, where Warren, recently kicked out by his father, arrives with a stolen suitcase of marijuana․ Tensions rise as Warren tries to sell the pot, while Jessica, a more grounded figure, becomes entangled in their chaotic plans․ The group’s dynamics shift as they confront their aimless lives, leading to a climactic falling out between Dennis and Warren, ultimately revealing the fragility of their friendships and futures․
3․2 Key Conflicts and Turning Points
Central conflicts arise from the trio’s financial struggles and personal insecurities․ Dennis’s possessiveness over Jessica and control over Warren escalate tensions․ A pivotal moment occurs when Warren’s attempt to sell the stolen marijuana goes awry, leading to a heated argument with Dennis․ Jessica’s mediation fails, and their friendship fractures, culminating in Warren’s departure, leaving the group’s future uncertain and their relationships irreparably damaged․
Characters
The play centers on three affluent youths: Dennis, a manipulative drug dealer; Warren, his naive friend; and Jessica, an ambitious woman navigating their chaotic world․ Other characters include their families and acquaintances, who influence their struggles with identity and responsibility․
4․1 Dennis
Dennis is a small-time drug dealer and the son of a famous painter and a social activist․ He is charismatic but manipulative, often taking advantage of his friends․ His apartment serves as the play’s main setting, reflecting his chaotic lifestyle․ Dennis’s interactions with Warren and Jessica reveal his struggles with responsibility and identity, showcasing his complex and flawed personality․
4․2 Warren
Warren, portrayed by Mark Ruffalo in the original production, is Dennis’s friend and a socially awkward, naive young man․ He often finds himself entangled in Dennis’s schemes, struggling with his own identity and sense of purpose․ His insecurities and lack of direction highlight the challenges of transitioning into adulthood, making him a relatable and sympathetic character in the play․
4․3 Jessica
Jessica, a complex and confident character, serves as a counterpoint to Dennis and Warren’s aimlessness․ Her relationship with Dennis is central to the play, showcasing her attempts to navigate her own identity and ambitions amidst the chaos․ Jessica’s interactions reveal her resilience and determination, making her a pivotal figure in the lives of the three protagonists․
4․4 Other Characters
Beyond the central trio, other characters like Dennis’s father, a renowned painter, and Warren’s family members are mentioned but not seen․ These figures influence the protagonists’ motivations and struggles, adding depth to their narratives․ Their absence onstage underscores the isolating nature of the characters’ experiences and the societal expectations they face․
Themes and Stylistic Elements
The play explores themes of identity, disillusionment, and privilege, blending humor with poignant insights․ Lonergan’s sharp dialogue and nuanced character interactions create a bittersweet tone, reflecting the chaos of youth․
5․1 Themes Explored in the Play
This Is Our Youth delves into themes of identity, disillusionment, and privilege, set against the backdrop of 1980s Manhattan․ The play examines the struggles of affluent young adults grappling with existential crises, financial misadventures, and fractured relationships․ Lonergan’s script captures the tension between rebellion and responsibility, highlighting the challenges of transitioning from adolescence to adulthood amidst societal upheaval and personal uncertainty․
5․2 Stylistic Elements and Tone
This Is Our Youth features sharp, naturalistic dialogue and a gritty, realistic tone, capturing the raw uncertainty of young adulthood․ The play’s intimate setting and focus on character interactions create a tense, often humorous atmosphere․ Lonergan’s style blends biting wit with poignant vulnerability, reflecting the reckless optimism and disillusionment of its characters in 1980s Manhattan, where rebellion and self-discovery collide․
Historical and Cultural Context
Set in the early 1980s, the play reflects the cultural upheaval and shifting societal norms of Manhattan during this period, capturing the disillusionment of its characters․
6․1 The Early 1980s Setting
The play is set in March 1982, on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, during a period of cultural and economic shift․ The characters inhabit a small, impersonal apartment, reflecting their temporary and uncertain lives․ This era, marked by the dawn of the Reagan administration, influences their disillusionment and struggles with identity, wealth, and societal expectations, creating a backdrop of moral ambiguity and youthful rebellion․
6․2 Social and Political Influences
The play reflects the cultural shifts and economic policies of the early 1980s, particularly the dawn of the Reagan era․ The characters’ struggles with identity, financial mismanagement, and disillusionment mirror the societal changes and moral ambiguity of the time․ Their affluent yet aimless existence critiques the privileged youth’s detachment from broader political and social realities, highlighting themes of rebellion and self-discovery amidst cultural upheaval․
This Is Our Youth premiered Off-Broadway at the Intar Theatre in 1996, directed by Mark Brokaw, featuring Josh Hamilton, Mark Ruffalo, and Missy Yager; It was later produced by Second Stage Theatre․
7․1 Premiere and Initial Performances
This Is Our Youth premiered Off-Broadway at the Intar Theatre on October 26, 1996, directed by Mark Brokaw․ The cast featured Josh Hamilton as Dennis, Mark Ruffalo as Warren, and Missy Yager as Jessica․ The play ran for 22 performances, closing on November 24, 1996․ Initially, it was part of a 1993 festival of short plays titled Betrayal by Everyone․
Production History
7․2 Notable Productions and Adaptations
The play was later produced by Second Stage Theatre, with Carole Rothman as Artistic Director․ It has been performed at various venues, including Francis Marion University, showcasing its enduring relevance․ The script is available through Dramatists Play Service, ensuring its accessibility for future productions and adaptations, further cementing its place in contemporary theatre․
This Is Our Youth received critical acclaim for its raw portrayal of youthful disillusionment, with audiences resonating with its timeless themes of identity and struggle․
8․1 Critical Acclaim and Audience Reception
This Is Our Youth garnered widespread critical acclaim for its raw, insightful portrayal of disillusioned affluent youths in 1980s Manhattan․ Directed by Mark Brokaw, the Off-Broadway premiere in 1996 featured a standout cast, including Josh Hamilton and Mark Ruffalo․ Audiences resonated with its timeless themes of identity and financial struggles, solidifying its reputation as a poignant reflection of youthful turbulence and societal upheaval during the Reagan era․
Relevance and Reception
8․2 Impact on Contemporary Theatre
This Is Our Youth has significantly influenced contemporary theatre with its raw, nuanced portrayal of youthful struggles․ Its success inspired a wave of coming-of-age stories, emphasizing realistic dialogue and complex character development․ The play’s exploration of identity and financial instability resonates deeply, making it a benchmark for modern playwrights and a timeless study of generational disillusionment and resilience in a shifting world․
Availability of the Play Script
The full PDF of This Is Our Youth is available for download on Scribd, uploaded by AriannaRotty, and accessible through Dramatists Play Service, Inc․
9․1 Full PDF Play Script
The full PDF of This Is Our Youth is available for download on Scribd, uploaded by AriannaRotty․ It can also be accessed through Dramatists Play Service, Inc․, offering readers the opportunity to explore Kenneth Lonergan’s insightful play in its entirety․ The script provides a detailed look into the lives of three young characters navigating identity and financial struggles in 1980s Manhattan․
9․2 Where to Access the Script
The full PDF script of This Is Our Youth can be accessed on Scribd, where it was uploaded by AriannaRotty․ Additionally, it is available through Dramatists Play Service, Inc․, the official distributor․ Copies can also be found on educational platforms like Francis Marion University’s resources and Second Stage Theatre’s website․ For direct access, visit www․dramatists․com or contact Second Stage Theatre’s managing director for performance rights․
Educational and Analytical Resources
This Is Our Youth study guides, character breakdowns, and performance video clips are available online, offering insights into themes and analysis for educational purposes․
10․1 Study Guides and Analysis
Study guides for This Is Our Youth provide detailed character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and historical context․ PDF scripts and critical essays are available on platforms like Scribd, offering insights into Lonergan’s exploration of identity and financial struggles․ These resources are invaluable for students and theatre enthusiasts analyzing the play’s complex themes and character dynamics․
10․2 Performance Video Clips and Reviews
Performance video clips and reviews of This Is Our Youth offer insights into its staging and character interpretations․ Clips from notable productions, available on platforms like YouTube and theatre websites, showcase the play’s emotional depth․ Reviews highlight the cast’s performances, providing a deeper understanding of the play’s themes and its resonance with audiences․ These resources enhance appreciation and analysis of the play’s dramatic elements․
This Is Our Youth by Kenneth Lonergan is a poignant exploration of youthful disillusionment and self-discovery in 1980s Manhattan․ Its critical acclaim and timeless themes make it a must-read for theatre enthusiasts, offering insights into the challenges of growing up and finding identity in a chaotic world․
11․1 Final Thoughts on the Play
This Is Our Youth is a profound exploration of adolescent struggles, capturing the raw emotions and complexities of growing up․ Through its vivid characters and nuanced dialogue, the play offers a timeless commentary on identity, disillusionment, and the challenges of transitioning into adulthood, resonating deeply with audiences and solidifying its place as a contemporary theatre classic․
11․2 Recommendations for Further Exploration
Readers interested in delving deeper into This Is Our Youth should explore the full PDF script, available via Dramatists Play Service or Scribd․ Watching performance clips and analyzing study guides can enhance understanding of the play’s themes and character dynamics․ Additionally, researching the historical context of 1980s Manhattan and its cultural shifts provides a richer appreciation of the story’s setting and significance․