Our Town Thornton Wilder

Playwright Thornton Wilder Received degree from Yale in 1920; began writing and teaching afterwards Wrote five plays, many shorter plays, seven novels, and an Alfred Hitchcock screenplay Remembered for his bold theatrical experimentation, his faith, optimism, and fondness for humanity

Background Written in 1938 Minimal Props Setting: Grover's Corner, NH *Grover’s Corner represents ALL towns Play: *Follows the age old cycle of birth, love, and death. Act 1: Daily Life Act 2: Love and Marriage Act 3: Death and Dying

Themes Serves as a microcosm of the world at large Creates a model of life that includes both joy and tragedy Appreciate life while you are living it Little things in life are really big things Taking life for granted/Carpe Diem

Author’s Style Breaking the fourth wall by addressing the audience (Stage Manager) Cast members were dispersed among the audience No props, scenery, or elaborate costuming No plot driven

Video on Our Town http://www.twildersociety.org/2013/02/16/watch-a-short-film-on-our-towns-legacy/