Here is another one-act play in Jerome McDonough's exciting avant garde manner. Like his superbly successful Fables, this one shows his talent for paring away the egocentric stamp of approval which each of us gives to our actions.

A company of players takes the audience through a kaleidoscope in which one episode dissolves into another like an absurd dream. Each episode lets you see some aspect of yourself as a perceptive artist sees you, and the view is not always pleasant. What's the "asylum"?—Is it the world of "normal" people?—or the rest of us?

The feeling of ASYLUM is one of space rather than a stage, a nameless place rather than a specific location. Technical theatricality must be minimized. An area, empty except for a tattered wheelchair. Costuming is unimportant except that Doctor and Person should dress appropriately to their stations. Work clothing—perhaps a jeans look—is suggested for the Ensemble. Most characters may be played by either males or females, even in the face of sexually stereotyped roles and names.The choice of music is the Ensemble's prerogative. For university, community, and high school.

A Director's Script (prompt book) is available from the publisher of this play. It contains drawings of costumes and set, details on all technical aspects of staging, discussion of characterization, plot, and theme. It also suggests the complete blocking and full stage directions for all movement and business.

"Lee High's Drama has received an invitation to present 'Asylum' at the International Thespian Festival...We won first in our state...Thanks to I. E. Clark and Jerome McDonough, my students are wiser, closer, and very proud because of 'Asylum'."—Ron Harris, Huntsville, Ala. "I am writing to you to request the rights to perform the play 'Asylum' by Jerome McDonough. I intend to direct this myself in conjunction with the Edinburgh University Theatre Company, otherwise known as The Bedlam."—Naomi Winder, Edinburgh University, Scotland.

One of McDonough's most exciting plays; a consistent contest winner."First place in one act plays at Southeast Missouri State University...We love the play!"—Jo Nell Seifert, Poplar Bluff, Mo., Senior High School.

Other McDonough original plays: Eden, Filiation, Limbo, Mirrors, Plots, Requiem, Reunion, Stages, Stations

See also: Plays About Personal Relationships