Customer Reviews

The Guys: A Play

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

There have been a lot of books written in response to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. But "The Guys," by Anne Nelson, is definitely one that stands out from the pack. This is a two character play. The preface states that it "is based on a true experience."

"The Guys" tells the story of Nick, a New York City fire captain who has lost many men in the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. He comes to see Joan, a writer, so that she can help him write eulogies for his fallen men. As the two characters talk about the dead firefighters, Nick opens up and they create testimonies to these men.

This is a very moving work of drama. Although rooted in the events of 9/11, the play touches on issues that transcend that specific historical moment; it's about the place of a writer in society and about the potential power of words as healing tools. It's also about how extraordinary events impact ordinary people.

A director's note states that the play was commissioned in response to the 9/11 events, and opened in December 2001. Recommended as a companion text: "The Laramie Project," co-authored by Moises Kaufman; this is another fact-based play about how people respond to a violent tragedy.

As a firefighter I was taken aback by the emotions that surfaced as I read. Nelson does an excellent job capturing the unseen stoicism of the fire service. An excellent read for anyone.

This play is fascinating on many levels - and is rich
enough to continue to wow audiences long after
September 11 sinks deeper into history.

There is a lot of truth here - richly evident in the
human element of the stories Joan and Nick
weave together at a time when stories (beyond
horror and heartbreak) were able to tell.

Joan, a writer, is introduced to Nick in the days
after September 11 because Nick has the
privilege - and the awesome responsibility -
to speak at the funerals of his men who died
in the attacks on the World Trade Center.

The audience (in this case, reader) gets to know
Joan, the interviewer and more - about her
background in Oklahoma. We learn, for me
it was first hand and finally, about the magnitude
of the impact this event had on the New York
fire departments, especially in Manhatten.

The relationship between Nick and Joan is
remarkable AND truthful - sort of a universal
relationship of souls connecting post tragedy
of this size and strength.

Finally - I enjoyed reading the Preface, the
Author's Note and the Director's Note. It
felt almost sacred to hear how this very vital
piece of theatre, and literature, came into
being.

I would love to see it performed somewhere.

Ah, to be so blessed.

THE GUYS is a two-character play based upon real life experiences. The characters of the play are Joan and Nick. Joan is a writer who is asked by Nick, a fire chief, to write eulogies for the men at his fire house who died on September 11th. Nick wants to honor his friends and comrades, but doesn't know how. He seeks Joan to write down on paper what he knows from memory and remembers from his heart.

THE GUYS is a short play, ninety minutes when performed, varying from monologues by Joan to scenes where she is discussing with Nick the men who died that day. The play is moving and seems to capture much of the spirit of our nation during that time. The rememberances of each of "the guys" are vivid and though are based on sketches of many real life fireman, their lives are representative of any number of Americans. The play truly is an honor to them because it illustrates what a hero really is, just an ordinary person who arises to the occassion during extraordinary times.

The play is extremely well-written and simple. The character of Joan appears to be mostly based upon the author herself, though there are probably some differences. Overall, a beautiful piece of dramatic art. Other than that, it's a wonderful play.

Sitting at the lake today a friend came up to my wife and me and told us about how she had gotten the part of Joan in one of our community's local theater company's productions of "The Guys." Having never heard of this play, but thankful that I have a Kindle, I downloaded the free sample and was hooked. I read through it this evening and was grateful for the suggestion. As a pastor, having to think about preaching on 9/11 which falls on a Sunday this year, this play was a powerful reminder of what that day is all about. From a Christian perspective it is about the sorrow of pain, the mystery of death, and the redemption offered through lives given in the cause of life--especially in the name of saving many for the sake of one.

I highly recommend this concise, but powerful look at what that day means as we approach the tenth anniversary. I especially recommend it for those of you who are concerned that our nation's ongoing wars in reaction, whether justified or not, to that day seem to cloud your own memories of that day. For sure, September Eleventh 2001 will be a heart-rending day for many people that does not need to be shrouded by the conflicting sentiment of hyper-patriotism and "The Guys" offers a healing balm for all of us who are seeking to remember the loss, pain, and meaning of that day; from September 11th 2011 and forevermore.

Outstanding play. Best thing done about 9/11. Sensitive and thought provoking. HOpe to be part of a production of this play.