Common Clay (play)

Common Clay is a four-act play written by American playwright Cleves Kinkead. It premiered in New York City in 1915 and was a significant success, running for over 300 performances. The play explores themes of social class, justice, and morality through the story of a young working-class woman, Hélène Favre, who becomes involved in a scandal with a wealthy and influential man, Hugh Fullerton.

The plot revolves around Hélène's pregnancy and the subsequent legal battle concerning the child's paternity and her reputation. The play contrasts the values and expectations of the upper class with the realities faced by those in lower social strata. Hélène is initially presented as an innocent victim of Fullerton's predatory behavior, but the play gradually reveals complexities in her character and motivations.

Common Clay was notable for its unflinching portrayal of social issues and its critique of the double standards applied to men and women in the early 20th century. It questions the rigid class structure of the time and highlights the difficulties faced by women seeking justice and social acceptance.

The play's success led to several film adaptations, including a silent film in 1919 and a sound film in 1930, both titled Common Clay. These adaptations further cemented the play's place in popular culture and contributed to discussions about social inequality and gender roles. While less frequently performed today, Common Clay remains a valuable example of early 20th-century American drama and a reflection of the social concerns of its time.