Prodigal Son By John Patrick Shanley Essay

Misconstrued Understanding

Since its early days, Theatre was used to promote ideas. Protagonists had a strong moral compass, that showed their audience right from wrong. However, anyone in the real world could tell you, that morals are more grey than black and white. Because of this, many people go through internal struggles, and most forget that those around them are struggling too. This struggle plays a big part in the human condition. Plays have evolved since its early renditions and created new standards for playwrights. Playwrights began to write three dimensional characters and stories that expressed the human condition. Prodigal Son, by John Patrick Shanley is a great example of this type of playwriting. Prodigal Son is the type of play that will prompt your mind to ask ethical questions like: How much should you sacrifice, to nurture potential youth? Who truly hates you? who are your real friends? And is the future something you should strive and prepare for, or should you take life day by day? John Patrick Shanley did not write a play fully grounded in realism, but the use of
When I read it I didn’t know how it would be staged. It was all long conversations and did not get interesting until the last two scenes. When the structure of the play broke I didn’t know what to think. I chose to do a scene from this play because I am assistant directing the play for T.A.G. this summer. I wanted to tackle it without any other artistic influence. The first thing I tackled was the seed. I came up that the seed of the play was redemption, and the theme would be attempted redemption. How I got redemption was because every character used Jim’s situation in the school as a second chance for their own shortcomings. Jim is always trying to redeem himself but gives in to his temptations too easily. This is why I chose attempted to partner with my seed. All search for redemption but I don't feel anyone got what they