About Time (play)

About Time is a one-act play written by British playwright Harley Granville Barker, first performed in 1916. The play is a satirical and philosophical exploration of time, mortality, and the human condition. It uses a blend of realism and symbolism to present its themes.

Synopsis

The play centers around a family gathering in ancient Greece. Aglaia, a young woman, is preparing to marry. As the wedding preparations proceed, various characters engage in conversations about the nature of time, happiness, and the purpose of life. The play features gods and goddesses, who observe the mortals with a detached and often ironic perspective. Through their interactions, About Time explores the fleeting nature of human existence in contrast to the eternal realm of the gods. The characters grapple with questions of mortality, love, and the significance of their actions within the grand scheme of time.

Themes

About Time delves into several key themes:

• The Nature of Time: The play contrasts the human perception of time, with its limitations and anxieties about the future, with the eternal perspective of the gods. It questions whether time is a linear progression or a cyclical phenomenon.
• Mortality and Immortality: The play explores the difference between the mortal lives of humans and the immortal existence of the gods. It raises questions about the value of a finite life in the face of eternity.
• Happiness and Fulfillment: The characters search for happiness and fulfillment, but their efforts are often frustrated by the limitations of time and the inevitability of death.
• Satire and Irony: Granville Barker employs satire and irony to critique human foibles and the grandiosity of philosophical pronouncements. The gods often comment on the human condition with a detached amusement.

Critical Reception

About Time is considered one of Granville Barker's more experimental and thought-provoking works. While not as widely performed as some of his other plays, it has garnered attention for its intellectual depth and its exploration of complex philosophical themes. Critics have noted the play's blend of humor, pathos, and intellectual rigor, as well as its innovative use of dramatic form. Some critics have found it challenging due to its abstract themes and unconventional structure.