The Connection (play)

The Connection is a 1959 play by Jack Gelber, known for its groundbreaking use of meta-theatre and its realistic depiction of drug addiction. The play revolves around a group of jazz musicians waiting for their heroin connection, Cowboy, to arrive. The audience is presented as if they are watching a documentary film crew who are, in turn, filming the lives of the junkies.

The play's script is minimal, relying heavily on improvisation and character interaction. The "filmmakers," a director named Jim Dunn and a cameraman, also interact with the junkies, blurring the lines between reality and fiction. The jazz music performed by the musicians is an integral part of the play, reflecting the moods and tensions of the characters.

The Connection gained notoriety for its explicit language and its unvarnished portrayal of drug use, which was a radical departure from mainstream theater at the time. The play challenges the audience to confront uncomfortable truths about addiction and exploitation. It broke the fourth wall in a way that was innovative for the period, forcing the audience to question their own role as observers. The original production was directed by Judith Malina and premiered at The Living Theatre in New York City. A film adaptation, also directed by Shirley Clarke, was released in 1961.