Plays for England

Two compelling plays are linked by the author's compassion for people. The Blood of the Bambergs is set in a Ruritanian kingdom where a prince is killed on the eve of his marriage and an illegitimate half brother is used as a substitute. The bride, alive to her duty, accepts the situation with equanimity. The author concentrates on the deceit practiced to avert public disappointment and possible danger to the state. The net result is condemnation not of monarchy itself, but of the forces of democracy which exploit the popular appeal of royalty. Under Plain Cover is a comment on the prying of newspapers. Tim and Jenny are a happily married, aloof couple who know nothing of the world. A reporter discovers they are related and their happy world of innocence and hope crashes. They suffer a short separation before the play ends on a heart rending plea for love, compassion and tolerance.