A SAMUEL FRENCH, INC. TITLE

The Vertical Hour

Full-Length Play, Drama  /  2w, 3m

David Hare's play The Vertical Hour is a thought-provoking exploration of how the political can sometimes intersect, collide with and ultimately dismantle the personal. While the play is positively brimming with cogent and fascinating arguments involving the current political situation.

  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    2w, 3m
  • Duration
    Duration
    More than 120 minutes (2 hours)
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult

Details

Summary

David Hare's play The Vertical Hour is a thought-provoking exploration of how the political can sometimes intersect, collide with and ultimately dismantle the personal. The play is positively brimming with cogent and fascinating arguments involving the current political situation. 

Nadia, an ex-war correspondent turned Yale professor is meeting her boyfriend's father, Oliver, for ther first time. Her boyfriend warns her that Oliver is a bit of a womanizer, and in total opposition to her feelings on the war in Iraq. When they meet the arguments fly back and forth, but Nadia does feel herself slowly becoming more and more intrigued with Oliver. More than just political ties are revealed as Oliver unveils more about his past, and why he's living so far outside of London.

History

The Vertical Hour premiered on Broadway at The Music Box Theatre in November 2006 under the direction of Sam Mendes.

OLIVER LUCAS - A retired British physician, Phillip's father, very liberal minded.
NADIA BLYE - A Yale professor and former war correspondent, Phillip's girlfriend.
PHILLIP LUCAS - A physical therapist, Oliver's son, Nadia's boyfriend.
DENNIS DUTTON - Student of Nadia's at Yale.
TERRI SCHOLES - Student of Nadia's at Yale.
  • Time Period New Millennium/21st Century
  • Setting The lawn of Oliver Lucas' home in Shropshire and Nadia Blye's office at Yale.
  • Features Contemporary Costumes / Street Clothes
  • Duration More than 120 minutes (2 hours)
  • Cautions
    • No Special Cautions

Media

REVIEWS 

"...richly stimulating...Hare's play engages the heart and mind." - The Guardian, Read More 

Videos

  • David Hare on playwriting youtube thumbnail

    David Hare on playwriting

  • Interview with Park Theatre director Nigel Douglas youtube thumbnail

    Interview with Park Theatre director Nigel Douglas

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: $120 per performance

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Authors

David Hare

David Hare has been called "one of the great post-war British playwrights." Along with co-founding Portable Theatre Company and Joint Stock Theatre Group, he served as Resident Dramatist at the Royal Court Theatre in London and Resident Dramatist at the Nottingham Playhouse. ...
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