Lazarus Laughed and Dynamo: Two Plays by Eugene O’Neill.

O'NEILL, Eugene.

$1,250.00

Item Number: 104924

London: Johnathan Cape, 1929.

First edition of this collection of two of the great playwright’s works including the long theo-philosophical meditation, Lazarus Laughed, which called for more than one hundred actors making up a masked chorus. Octavo, original cloth with gilt titles to the spine, gilt author’s signature to the front panel. Presentation copy, inscribed by the author on the front free endpaper, “To Mrs. Oster with all good wishes Eugene O’Neill 1931.” Near fine in a very good price-clipped dust jacket.

O'Neill played an integral role in the modern movement to partially revive the classical heroic mask from ancient Greek theatre and Japanese Noh theatre. Written in 1925, Lazarus Laughed appears as a Greek tragedy, yet its underlying message is more similar to the great mystery plays of the Middle Ages. The story features characters and events following the raising of Lazarus of Bethany from the dead by Jesus and called for more than one hundred actors making up a masked chorus.