A play visibly represents pure existing

A play visibly represents pure existing

Thornton Wilder, a renowned American playwright, is known for his ability to capture the essence of human existence in his works. One of his most famous plays, "Our Town," is a prime example of how a play can visibly represent pure existing. In this play, Wilder strips away the elaborate sets and costumes typically associated with theater and instead focuses on the simple, everyday moments that make up life.

"Our Town" follows the lives of the residents of Grover's Corners, a small town in New Hampshire, over the course of several years. The play is divided into three acts: Daily Life, Love and Marriage, and Death and Eternity. Through these acts, Wilder explores the universal themes of love, loss, and the passage of time.

One of the most striking aspects of "Our Town" is Wilder's use of the Stage Manager as a narrator and guide. The Stage Manager breaks the fourth wall, addressing the audience directly and providing commentary on the action of the play. This device serves to remind the audience that they are witnessing a representation of real life, and encourages them to reflect on their own existence.

In "Our Town," Wilder also employs a minimalist set design, with only a few chairs and tables to represent the various locations in Grover's Corners. This lack of visual distractions allows the audience to focus on the characters and their interactions, highlighting the beauty and poignancy of everyday moments.

Through his portrayal of the characters in "Our Town," Wilder shows that even the most ordinary lives have value and meaning. The play's message is clear: life is precious, and we must cherish every moment we have. By visibly representing pure existing, Wilder invites the audience to consider their own lives and the impact they have on those around them.