A stunning look at racial issues that Black soldiers encounter both within the military and among themselves.

This play unfolds as a mystery, told in real time and through flashbacks, delivering a powerful punch to the gut.

The story delves deep into the complex and often overlooked experiences of Black soldiers, highlighting the challenges and prejudices they face on a daily basis.

It explores the internal conflicts within the Black community itself, as well as the external pressures from the larger military establishment.

With its gripping narrative and thought-provoking themes, this play offers a unique and eye-opening perspective on the reality of race in the military.

It forces the audience to confront the uncomfortable truths and encourages them to reflect on the importance of equality and justice for all.

Overall, it is a must-see production that will leave a lasting impact on anyone who witnesses it.

This was a truly tough play to read.

It delved deep into the complex and often overlooked race issues that prevailed in the mid-20th-century American military.

The author approached this sensitive topic with remarkable honesty and bravery, not shying away from the harsh realities and injustices that African American soldiers faced during that time.

Through vivid characters and powerful dialogue, the play brought to life the struggles, prejudices, and discrimination that were all too common within the military ranks.

It made the reader acutely aware of the systemic racism that existed and the challenges that African American servicemen had to overcome in order to serve their country.

This play serves as an important reminder of a dark chapter in American history and the ongoing fight for equality and justice.

During World War II, at an army base, a shocking incident occurs. A black soldier is discovered brutally murdered. This event has the potential to fan the flames of the era's already simmering racial tensions. A Soldier’s Play, which won the 1982 Pulitzer, presents an exploration of the intricate nature of racial relations in America. However, on paper at least, it is an uneven examination. The play delves into the various aspects of race, but at times, the narrative seems to lack a consistent flow. Some scenes are powerfully executed, highlighting the deep-seated prejudices and inequalities, while others fall flat. Despite its flaws, it does offer some valuable insights into the complex web of racial relations during that time period. Overall, it is quasi-recommended, as it has its strengths and weaknesses.

A Soldier's Play is set in 1944, within an Army post predominantly populated by African-American soldiers.

The untimely death of a black NCO becomes the focal point of an investigation led by an African-American officer, all against the backdrop of southern bigotry and deeply ingrained institutional racism.

The mystery looms large: who exactly murdered T/SGT Waters? And what kind of man was this spit-and-polish sergeant? What events truly transpired that fateful night in Louisiana?

As you turn the pages of this book, you will find yourself irresistibly drawn into the captivating story, eager to uncover the truth and understand the complex web of relationships and circumstances that led to this tragic event.

The narrative unfolds with suspense and drama, offering a powerful exploration of race, identity, and justice in a time of great turmoil and change.

Prepare to be immersed in a world where the lines between right and wrong are blurred, and where the actions and motives of each character are open to interpretation.

A Soldier's Play is a thought-provoking and engaging read that will leave you with much to contemplate long after you have finished the last page.

A good read and probably not a fair rating, as I read it 35 years after it was first performed.

That said, it feels like it was groundbreaking at the time. The play seems to have introduced new elements and concepts that were perhaps revolutionary for its era.

There's some nice, nuanced characterization here. The characters are well-developed and have their own unique personalities and motives.

However, to my modern eyes and ears, it felt a little rigid. The dialogue and the overall structure of the play might seem a bit old-fashioned compared to contemporary works.

Still, it is clearly a vital, important text in the history of American drama. It has had a significant impact on the development of the genre and continues to be studied and performed today.

Despite its flaws, it offers valuable insights into the social and cultural context of the time it was written.

A little Saturday afternoon reading can be a wonderful escape. I came across a play that is truly great, yet it seems nearly forgotten. The construction of this play is beautifully done, with a plot that unfolds in a captivating way. It makes me wonder what it would have been like to see Adolph Caesar, Denzel Washington, and Sam Jackson all in the same production. These are all incredibly talented actors, and the thought of them sharing the stage together in this play is truly exciting. It's a shame that this opportunity may have passed, but perhaps there will be future productions that can bring this amazing play to life with a cast of such caliber. One can only hope.

The article was written almost forty years ago, which is almost forty years after the setting of the story. As a result, it offers a doubly dated read.

Nevertheless, it remains enjoyable. However, it is probably best to either read it aloud or watch a production rather than struggling through the reading and dealing with its fairly undifferentiated cast.

Reading aloud can bring out the nuances and rhythms of the text, enhancing the overall experience. On the other hand, seeing a production allows for a more visual and dynamic interpretation, with the actors bringing the characters to life.

While the story may have its charm, the lack of distinctiveness in the cast can make it a bit of a challenge to keep track of who is who. By choosing the right approach, whether it's reading aloud or experiencing a production, one can fully appreciate the merits of this doubly dated piece.

The live and movie versions tend to have a greater impact, but this is mostly due to the limitations of reading a screenplay. After all, this particular screenplay is really well written.

When we watch a live performance or a movie, we are able to experience the story in a more immersive way. The actors bring the characters to life, the sets and costumes add to the atmosphere, and the music and sound effects enhance the emotions.

However, when we read a screenplay, we have to rely solely on the words on the page. We have to use our imagination to picture the scenes, the characters, and the actions. This can be challenging for some people, especially those who are not used to reading in this format.

Despite these limitations, a well-written screenplay can still be a great read. It can give us a deeper understanding of the story, the characters, and the themes. It can also inspire us to create our own versions of the story, whether it's through a live performance, a movie, or something else entirely.

One of my all-time favorite movies is a true masterpiece.

It has always held a special place in my heart, captivating me with its engaging story, remarkable characters, and stunning visuals.

I have been meaning to get around to reading the play upon which the movie is based for a long time. I firmly believe that delving into the written words will provide me with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the narrative.

Moreover, the thought of seeing this wonderful story brought to life on stage is simply awe-inspiring. The live performances, the energy of the actors, and the unique atmosphere of the theater would no doubt enhance the overall experience and make it truly unforgettable.

One day, I hope to fulfill both of these desires and further explore the magic of this amazing work.

Race and rank are two complex and often intertwined issues that have been the subject of much discussion and debate throughout history. This exceptionally well-written piece delves deep into these topics, exploring their various dimensions and implications.

The author presents a thought-provoking analysis that challenges our assumptions and forces us to confront the uncomfortable truths about race and rank in society.

My only comment is that I wish I could say that the play is dated, but, alas, the issues it raises are still very much relevant today.

Race and rank continue to shape our lives in profound ways, influencing everything from our opportunities and experiences to our relationships and sense of identity.

It is essential that we continue to engage with these issues and work towards creating a more just and equal society for all.

This piece serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of this ongoing struggle and the need for us to remain vigilant in the face of discrimination and inequality.

This is truly a very well crafted play.

The characters in it are simply fantastic. Each one is developed with such depth and detail that they come alive on the stage.

The story is engaging from start to finish. It weaves a tale that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats, eager to see what will happen next.

And then there's the mystery element. It adds an extra layer of excitement and intrigue to the play.

Everything about this play is wonderful. From the set design to the acting, from the dialogue to the overall atmosphere, it all combines to create a truly memorable theatrical experience.

Whether you're a die-hard theater enthusiast or just someone looking for a great night out, this play is definitely worth seeing.

The play made an excellent use of lights, shadows, music, and flashbacks.

These elements combined to create a truly immersive experience. It was as if I was actually there, standing in the midst of the action, watching the story unfold before my eyes.

The thought-provoking nature of the play left a lasting impression on me. It made me reflect on various aspects of life and human nature.

The story was engaging from start to finish, with well-developed characters that I could easily empathize with. Each character had their own unique personality and backstory, which added depth and complexity to the overall narrative.

Overall, it was a great play that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for an entertaining and thought-provoking experience.