Our Lady Of 121st Street Full Play Pdf
Our Lady Of 121st Street is a hilarious and heartbreaking play written by Stephen Adly Guirgis. The story revolves around the reunion of a group of people who used to live in a church-run orphanage in Harlem. When the body of their beloved nun, Sister Rose, is stolen from the funeral home, the former orphans come together to search for her.
The play has been praised for its witty and poignant dialogue, multi-dimensional characters, and powerful themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the search for identity. Its unique blend of dark humor and deep emotions makes it an unforgettable theatrical experience.
The Plot
Our Lady Of 121st Street takes place in Harlem, New York, where a group of people gather to mourn the death of Sister Rose. The former orphans who grew up under her care in the church-run orphanage are surprised to find out her body has gone missing from the funeral home.
The play follows the characters as they try to come to terms with the loss of Sister Rose, and the shocking discovery that she might not have been the saintly figure they believed her to be. We see their vulnerabilities, conflicts, and relationships unfold as they confront their past traumas and try to find their place in the world.
The Characters
Guirgis' characters are complex, flawed, and highly relatable. The diverse group includes:
- Victor, a successful Hollywood actor who left Harlem but is now struggling with his career and personal life.
- Norca, a tough-talking and assertive woman who works as a nurse and has a complicated history with Victor.
- Inez, a hot-tempered and religious woman who was once Sister Rose's favorite.
- Flip, a recovering alcoholic and a funeral home director with a dark secret.
- Balthazar, a philosopher and a lover of women who has a hard time committing to anything.
- Rooftop, a young and naïve graffiti artist who is searching for a father figure.
The characters' interactions are raw, honest, and full of surprises. They reveal the deep-seated conflicts, resentments, and regrets that have been brewing under the surface for years. But they also show the characters' capacity for compassion, humor, and resilience in the face of adversity.
The Themes
Our Lady Of 121st Street tackles some of the most fundamental and universal human themes, such as:
- Forgiveness and redemption: The characters grapple with their past mistakes, failures, and traumas, and try to find a way to move forward and forgive themselves and others.
- Identity and belonging: The characters struggle to find their place in the world, to define themselves beyond their past, and to connect with others who share their experiences and values.
- Love and loss: The characters navigate the complex and messy terrain of human relationships, from the joy and pain of romantic love, to the bonds and conflicts of family and friendship.
Guirgis' writing is both poignant and hilarious, and he manages to balance the darkest and the funniest aspects of life with a deft hand. His characters are not easy to forget, and their journeys linger in our minds and hearts long after the play is over.
The Reception
Our Lady Of 121st Street has been widely praised by critics and audiences alike for its powerful writing, unforgettable characters, and superb performances. It has won numerous awards and nominations, including:
- Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Play
- Outer Critics Circle John Gassner Award for Playwriting
- Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Ensemble Performance
The play has been produced in various theaters around the world, and has been translated into many languages. Its popularity and relevance have only grown over time, as it continues to resonate with audiences of all backgrounds and ages.
The PDF
If you're interested in reading or performing Our Lady Of 121st Street, you can find the full play in PDF format online. Many theater companies, schools, and drama enthusiasts have shared the script for educational and artistic purposes.
Reading the play before seeing it performed can give you a deeper understanding and appreciation of its nuances and complexities. It can also inspire you to create your own adaptations, interpretations, or productions.
Conclusion
Our Lady Of 121st Street is a funny and moving play that tells a story of loss, love, and redemption in a unique and powerful way. Stephen Adly Guirgis' writing is sharp, honest, and full of heart, and his characters are unforgettable.
Whether you're a theater lover, a student, or a casual reader, Our Lady Of 121st Street is a must-read play that will stay with you long after you've finished it. So go ahead and download the PDF, and dive into the world of Harlem's lost children.
