Down Came a Blackbird (play)

Down Came a Blackbird is a one-act play written by American playwright Walter Kerr. It is categorized as a comedy, often with elements of farce and satire. The play premiered in 1928.

Synopsis:

The play typically revolves around a series of mistaken identities and misunderstandings that occur when a young woman, often depicted as flighty or unconventional, visits a mental asylum. The specific plot details can vary slightly depending on the adaptation and director's interpretation, but the core premise involves her interacting with the patients and staff, leading to comedic chaos as her presence disrupts the institution's routine and challenges the perceptions of sanity and normalcy. The play often explores themes of identity, perception, and the blurred line between sanity and insanity.

Characters:

While the character names can vary slightly between productions, typical characters include:

• The Young Woman: The central character whose arrival sets the plot in motion.
• The Psychiatrist/Doctor: The head of the asylum or a leading physician who is often flustered and confused by the young woman's actions.
• The Patients: A collection of characters displaying various eccentricities and perceived mental illnesses, who contribute to the overall comedic mayhem.
• The Nurse/Attendant: A staff member who attempts to maintain order and control within the asylum, often with limited success.

Themes:

• Sanity vs. Insanity: The play questions societal definitions of sanity and explores the idea that what is considered "normal" can be subjective.
• Mistaken Identity: The plot relies heavily on mistaken identities and misinterpretations, driving much of the comedic action.
• Social Critique: Through its satirical portrayal of a mental asylum, the play can offer subtle commentary on societal norms and institutions.
• Appearance vs. Reality: The characters often present themselves in ways that do not accurately reflect their true nature, leading to further confusion and humor.

Performance History:

Down Came a Blackbird has been a popular choice for amateur and community theater productions due to its relatively small cast, single-setting, and comedic nature. While not as widely produced as some of Kerr's other works, it remains a relevant and often-performed one-act play.

Author:

Walter Kerr (1913-1996) was an American writer and drama critic. He was known for his insightful and often witty commentary on theater, as well as for writing several plays himself. He won a Pulitzer Prize for Criticism in 1978.