My Heart's in the Highlands (play)

My Heart's in the Highlands is a one-act play written by William Saroyan. It was Saroyan's first professionally produced play, premiering in 1939 at the Group Theatre in New York City.

The play is a whimsical and poetic depiction of the lives of a young boy, Johnny, and his Armenian-American poet father, Ben Alexander, struggling to survive during the Great Depression in Fresno, California. Their poverty is juxtaposed with their rich imaginations and their belief in the power of beauty and art.

A key plot point revolves around a traveling trumpet player named Jasper MacGregor, who claims to be a former Shakespearean actor. MacGregor's arrival and subsequent interactions with Johnny and Ben bring both joy and temporary relief from their financial hardship. He plays his trumpet and recites Shakespeare, inspiring the family and their neighbors.

My Heart's in the Highlands explores themes of poverty, hope, the power of imagination, the importance of art, and the American Dream. It is characterized by its lyrical language, eccentric characters, and a generally optimistic outlook despite the bleak circumstances depicted. The play is considered a significant work in American theatre, showcasing Saroyan's unique voice and style.