A sub-genre of drama, a one-act play, as the name suggests, consists of a single act. These plays can be based on a variety of themes that may be tragic, comical, or satirical. Certainly, their origin can be traced back to the ancient Miracle and Morality plays. One-act plays can typically be read in a single sitting.
Besides, they can pave the way for our acquaintance with the world of drama and harbinger sincere appreciation for this literary genre. Here are our recommendations for 10 such one-act plays to familiarise you with this genre.
#1. Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw
About The Book:
Title: Pygmalion
Author: George Bernard Shaw
Genre: Romantic comedy, Social Criticism
Publisher: N/A
Goodreads Rating: 4.26/5
Their ardent love for phonetics unites Henry Higgins and Colonel Pickering. When Higgins accidentally bumps into the cockney-speaking flower girl Eliza Doolittle, he claims to be able to make her resemble a Duchess by transforming her manner of speech. Pickering challenges Higgins to prove his claim and offers to pay for her lessons. Eliza is installed as an inmate of the Higgins household, and her tutoring begins. Through the training, Eliza gains much more than an eloquent way of speaking.
Why do we Recommend This Book?
This play is a witty satire on the class distinction and prejudices inherent in society. Bernard Shaw convinces us that one’s behavior and treatment of others matter more than fine language.
Eliza Doolittle’s journey of self-discovery is funny and inspiring, and this is one of my favorite one-act plays.
To buy/gift Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw, click on the link below:
#2. The Boor by Anton Chekhov
About The Book:
Title: The Boor
Author: Anton Chekhov
Genre: Comedy
Publisher: Palala Press
Goodreads Rating: 3.61/5
Widowed Elena Popova has isolated herself in her husband’s estate, determined to spend the rest of her life in mourning. Her self-imposed solitude is interrupted by the moneylender Gregory Stephanovitch Smirnov, who demands that she immediately return the money her husband borrowed before his death. Certainly, he refuses to leave without getting the money, paving the way for a hilarious battle of words between the two. Elena calls him a ‘boor’, and Gregory challenges her to a duel, leading to unanticipated consequences.
Why do we recommend this book?
Overall, one-act plays are very interesting, and this play is humorous and easy to read. It keeps the reader engaged till the very end. Elena Popova’s refusal to back down and engage in the duel is inspiring.
Gregory Smirnov is a quirky and endearing character. His speeches and action keep the readers laughing till the very end. The conclusion is rather stunning and adds an element of surprise to the play.
To buy/gift The Boor by Anton Chekhov, click on the link below:
#3. Dark Lady of the Sonnets by George Bernard Shaw
About The Book:
Title: Dark Lady of the Sonnets
Author: George Bernard Shaw
Genre: Comedy
Publisher: Hard Press
Goodreads Rating: 3.39
The play features playwright Will Shakespeare, who has come to the Queen’s Palace to meet his mistress, the Dark Lady. Firstly, he encounters a palace guard, the Beefeater, who reveals a shocking truth. And then, a disheartened Will Shakespeare comes across Queen Elizabeth, who seems to be sleepwalking. This play has a humorous battle of words, and an unexpected confession of love follows this. Later, Bernard Shaw seeks to put forward the idea of a National Theatre through this work.
Why do we recommend this book?
Although Shakespeare wrote many one-act plays, this play is enriched with quotations from well-known Shakespearean dramas. Meanwhile, the encounter between Will Shakespeare and the Beefeater is humourous.
His passionate admiration for the Queen is also a source of joy. The narrative is exemplary, and the theme of royalty versus the commoner is well portrayed.
To buy/gift Dark Lady of the Sonnets by George Bernard Shaw, click on the link below:
#4. Strife by John Galsworthy
About The Book:
Title: Strife
Author: John Galsworthy
Genre: Problem Play
Publisher: Heinemann Educational Books
Goodreads Rating: 3.4/5
It is a short play featuring an ongoing strike at Trenartha Tin Plate Works. John Anthony, Chairman of the Board of Directors, refuses to give in to the workers’ demands. Similarly, David Roberts, the workers’ leader, is adamant about continuing the strike until all their demands are met. Simon Harness, representing the trade union, makes an unsuccessful attempt to compromise between the two groups. Meanwhile, the workers’ families suffer from intense hunger and cold. Ultimately, tragedy strikes, prompting the two parties to rethink their decisions.
Why do we recommend this book?
Strife exposes the hideous face of capitalism and its disregard for the welfare of workers. Galsworthy neutrally narrates the story, prompting the reader to draw their conclusions.
He paints a stark picture of human suffering and the unequal relationship between industrialists and workers. He makes the reader realize that the only true resolution of a conflict lies in reaching a viable compromise.
To buy/gift Strife by John Galsworthy, click on the link below:
#5. The Marriage Proposal by Anton Chekhov
About The Book:
Title: The Marriage Proposal
Author: Anton Chekhov
Genre: Comedy
Publisher: Encore Performance Publishing
Goodreads Rating: 3.6/5
This play features the desperate attempts of the excitable bachelor, Lomov, to propose marriage to his neighbor’s daughter, Natalya Stepanovna. However, before he could propose, the two get into an argument about the ownership of Oxen Meadows and the qualities of their pet dogs. Eventually, Lomov leaves in a huff without stating his intentions. A series of unfortunate events later, the two of them are united.
Why do we recommend this book?
This play is a quick read and a laugh riot. The snowballing war of words and its unconventional resolution are amusing. Almost all the dialogues leave the reader laughing helplessly.
The narrative is simple and refreshing. Anton Chekhov provides a satirical commentary on the social practices of marriage.
To buy/gift The Marriage Proposal by Anton Chekhov, click on the link below:
#6. Trifles by Susan Glaspell
About The Book:
Title: Trifles
Author: Susan Glaspell
Genre: Tragedy, Mystery
Publisher: Players Press
Goodreads Rating: 3.86/5
John Wright is murdered in his farmhouse, and his wife Minne is hysterical. The play features the hunt for Mr. Wright’s murderer. Henry Peters; the Sheriff, George Henderson; the attorney; and Lewis Hale; the Wrights’ neighbor, is busy searching for clues in the house. On the other hand, Mrs. Peters and Mrs. Hale conduct their investigation. Albeit unconventional, their methods yield better results than that of the men.
Why do we recommend this book?
The play comments on the ability of women to analyze things on an emotional level. It is a satire on society that considers women only fit for household responsibilities.
The author is an excellent storyteller. The plot development is exemplary, and the conclusion is extremely satisfying. The fate of Minnie Wright is left to the reader’s imagination. People who enjoy mysteries will love this work.
To buy/gift Trifles by Susan Glaspell, click on the link below:
#7. The Zoo Story by Edward Albee
About The Book:
Title: The Zoo Story
Author: Edward Albee
Genre: Tragicomedy
Publisher: Penguin Group
Goodreads Rating: 3.9/5
Peter is reading a book in Central Park when a disheveled stranger approaches him and starts talking about his visit to the zoo. After failing to ignore him, Peter engages in conversation, and the two get acquainted. Jerry asks Peter about his life and recites anecdotes about his own. A series of digressions later, Jerry makes an unexpected move, shocking both Peter and the audience.
Why do we recommend this book?
The play has a unique style of writing. The plot manages to keep the reader intrigued till the very end. The digressions make one, even more curious about Jerry’s visit to the zoo. The conclusion is atypical and has some elements of absurdism and humor.
To buy/gift The Zoo Story by Edward Albee, click on the link below:
#8. I Rise in Flame, Cried the Phoenix by Tennessee Williams
About The Book:
Title: I Rise in Flame, Cried the Phoenix
Author: Tennessee Williams
Genre: Fiction
Publisher: Dramatist’s Play Service
Goodreads Rating: 3/5
This play was written as a tribute to the English novelist D.H. Lawrence. The play features the last moments of the writer’s life, as imagined by Tennessee Williams. Set in Vence in the Alps Maritimes, the play shows Lawrence’s interaction with his wife Frieda and his close friend Bertha Brett.
Why do we recommend this book?
This play is short and has a simple narrative. Simultaneously it is easy to read and can be finished in one sitting—the comparison of the novelist with the infallible phoenix points to the perennial nature of art and literature.
To buy/gift I Rise in Flame, Cried the Phoenix by Tennessee Williams, click on the link below:
#9. The People by Susan Glaspell
About The Book:
Title: The People
Author: Susan Glaspell
Genre: Realism
Publisher: Nabu Press
Goodreads Rating: 4.00/5
The play begins with the administrative staff of The People waiting for its editor-in-chief Edward Wills to return. The magazine’s fate is uncertain due to a lack of circulation and funds. The staff is highly divided in their opinions. They argue about the cause of the magazine’s destruction and the best way to revive it. Eventually, it takes three people from the country to change their mindset about the magazine, which is a metaphor for social revolution.
Why do we recommend this book?
The play has an aesthetically appealing style of writing. The philosophical elements and metaphors make the narrative even more beautiful. The author’s comparison of the dying magazine to the death of the social revolution is thought-provoking.
To buy/gift The People by Susan Glaspell, click on the link below:
#10. Fourteen by Alice Gerstenberg
About The Book:
Title: Fourteen
Author: Alice Gerstenberg
Genre: Comedy, Satire
Publisher: The Online Stage
Goodreads Rating: 3.39/5
Fourteen narrates the tale of a supper party organized by Mrs. Pringle to introduce her daughter Elaine to Oliver Farnsworth. She cherishes the hope of getting Oliver to marry Elaine. However, a fierce blizzard spoils her dinner party as all the guests cancel. This leaves the hostess scrambling to salvage the dinner party. However, the Universe smiles upon Mrs. Pringle, and every problem is solved towards the end.
Why do we recommend this book?
The play is light and humorous. It is an easy read that nevertheless leaves a mark on the reader. It satirizes the human instinct to keep up appearance at any cost.
To buy/gift Fourteen by Alice Gerstenberg, click on the below link:
| 1. | Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw | Buy Now |
| 2. | The Boor by Anton Chekhov | Buy Now |
| 3. | Dark Lady of the Sonnets by George Bernard Shaw | Buy Now |
| 4. | Strife by John Galsworthy | Buy Now |
| 5. | The Marriage Proposal by Anton Chekhov | Buy Now |
| 6. | Trifles by Susan Glaspell | Buy Now |
| 7. | The Zoo Story by Edward Albee | Buy Now |
| 8. | I Rise in Flame, Cried the Phoenix by Tennessee Williams | Buy Now |
| 9. | The People by Susan Glaspell | Buy Now |
| 10. | Fourteen by Alice Gerstenberg | Buy Now |
Do read all the books on this list. You are going to enjoy reading them.
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Disclosure: All our recommendations are honest. Also, some links in this post are affiliate links, meaning we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something we recommend.
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