Contemporary One-Act Plays

"Contemporary One-Act Plays" by B. Roland Lewis et al. is a collection of one-act plays written in the early 20th century. This compilation serves both educational and entertainment purposes, aiming to highlight the one-act play as a specific, significant dramatic form. The collection includes a variety of plays that range across genres like comedy and tragedy while intentionally focusing on uplifting themes. The opening of the collection introduces the concept of the one-act play and its importance within contemporary theatre. In the introduction, Lewis emphasizes the artistic and technical distinctions of the one-act play, asserting that it should convey a singular dramatic effect within a shorter timeframe. He notes that well-crafted one-act plays condense significant human experiences, allowing for an intense emotional impact. The introduction sets the stage for the plays that follow, promising a powerful exploration of life's complexities through concise storytelling and character development.