Him

The Viaduct Theater presents e.e. cummings’ only full-length play, an absurdist comedy/drama entitled Him. The story follows a couple that are struggling to remain connected to one another as new stakes arise in their relationship. The male protagonist, called Him, is an artist desperate to finish writing a play — a task upon which he has hinged his whole sense of self — while his lover Me wrestles with a conundrum. Built around the motif of pregnancy, the narrative unfolds through the couple’s dialogues as well as through their dreams and thoughts and even Him’s play (a ribald and satirical Vaudeville play within the play).

Him was written in 1924 and defied American theatrical conventions of the time. Due to its momentous production and dramaturgical challenges, it has rarely been produced. Viaduct Theater co-artistic director Whitney Blakemore directs (and significantly cut the play for this production).