A SAMUEL FRENCH, LTD. TITLE
Good: A Tragedy
Full-Length Play, Drama
C.P. Taylor
Professor John Halder is a 'good' man. But 'good' men must adapt to survive.
As the world faces its Second World War, Halder finds himself pulled into a movement with unthinkable consequences.
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Target Audience
Adult
Details
Summary
Good is a story about a liberal-minded university professor who drifts well-meaningly into a position in the upper reaches of the Nazi administration. John Halder, a professor of literature, seems to be a good man; he diligently visits his blind and senile mother and looks after his vacant wife and three children. He is unremarkable, other than an unusual neurotic tic: the imaginary sound of band music plays in the background of his life, particularly at moments of high emotion.
But by writing a book - the result of his own experience - discussing euthanasia for senile elderly people and by lecturing on the delicacy of German literary culture, John has unintentionally made himself a very desirable acquisition for the Nazi party. A profound and alarming examination of passivity and the rationalisation of evil.
History
- Time Period 1940s/WWII
- Cautions
- Mild Adult Themes
Media
“This stark play is an important rather than an enjoyable watch.” — Evening Standard
“Quietly terrifying.” — Financial Times
“CP Taylor’s play about a professor embracing nazism is fascinating psychological theatre with the feel of a fever dream.” — The Guardian
“The script [...] leaves its audience reeling and questioning just how clear cut the line is between good and evil.” — Theatre Weekly
“It still has the power to chill you to the bone.” — TimeOut
“Brilliant” — The Jewish Chronicle
Licensing & Materials
- Minimum Fee: £70 per performance plus VAT when applicable.