Skyscraper (play)

A skyscraper play, also known as a "vertical city" play, is a subgenre of drama that uses the physical and social environment of a skyscraper as a central metaphor for exploring themes of ambition, competition, social stratification, and the dehumanizing effects of modern urban life. These plays often feature characters representing different levels of the building's hierarchy – from the executives at the top to the maintenance workers in the basement – and their interactions reveal the power dynamics and anxieties of a technologically advanced, densely populated society. The setting, the skyscraper itself, becomes a character, representing both progress and the potential for isolation and collapse. Common themes explored include corporate greed, the pursuit of success, the loss of individuality in the face of overwhelming scale, and the precariousness of modern existence. The dramatic action often unfolds through conflicts arising from the characters' attempts to navigate the complex social and economic landscape within the building.