 | All My Sons is a 1947 play by Arthur Miller (see photo). The play was twice adapted for film; in 1948, and again in 1986. The play, which opened on Broadway at the Coronet Theatre in New York City on January 29, 1947, closed on November 8, 1947 and ran for 328 performances, was awarded the 1947 Tony Award for Best Play. All My Sons is based upon a true story, which Arthur Miller's then mother-in-law pointed out a story in an Ohio newspaper. The story described how a woman informed on her father who had sold faulty parts to the U.S. military during World War II. |
| Arthur Miller’s writing in All My Sons often shows great respect for the great Grecian tragedies of the likes of Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides. In these plays the tragic hero or protagonist will commit an offence, often unknowingly which will return to haunt him, sometimes many years later. Also, when his offence catches up to him, the events of the play all occur within the time span of one 24 hour day. The protagonist must then learn his fault and suffer as a result, and perhaps even die. In this way the gods are shown to be just and moral order is restored. Other examples of links between All My Sons and Greek tragedy is the fact that All My Sons takes place in 24 hours and exploration of the father-son relationship. Ann Deever could also be seen to parallel a messenger as her letter is proof of Larry's death. All My Sons is a criticism of the American Dream. Joe Keller, a representative type who would be considered an ordinary American, has lived through the Depression and despite a lack of education he has been able to own a factory, which he hopes his son will inherit. However, Keller’s quest for money leads to his responsibility for the deaths of 21 American pilots. Keller has apparently achieved the 'American Dream' - he lives in a 'comfortable' house despite being an 'uneducated man.' Miller is emphasizing the hollowness of the American Dream and that one should 'think about the consequences of our actions.' However, this material comfort which Keller has worked to provide his family with the very best is of little consequence. His strong family unit is an illusion - his wife is ill, Chris is discontent and Larry has committed suicide as a result of his father's narrow-minded and reprehensible decision. It is through the letter from Larry that Keller realizes that he has not only killed one son but all of his sons, a theme which is reiterated by the title of the play. In conclusion, the American Dream has become more like an American Nightmare. Chris shows moral responsibility while his father Joe shows intense family responsibility. A Broadway revival has been announced to begin previews on September 18, 2008 and officially open October 16, 2008 at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre. The limited engagement will run through January 11, 2009. The production will star Tony Award winner John Lithgow, Academy Award winner Dianne Wiest, Tony Award nominee Patrick Wilson (actor), and Katie Holmes, who will be making her Broadway debut. The other featured actors are Becky Ann Baker, Christian Camargo, Jordan Gelber, Danielle Ferland, Damian Young, and Michael D'Addario. It will be directed by Simon McBurney. The creative team consists of scenic and costume design by Tony Award nominee Tom Pye, lighting design by Paul Anderson, sound design by Christopher Shutt and Carolyn Downing, projection design by Finn Ross, and wig and hair design by Paul Huntley. | |
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