Toys in the Attic (play)
Toys in the Attic is a three-act drama written by American playwright Lillian Hellman. It premiered on Broadway at the Hudson Theatre on February 25, 1960, and ran for 556 performances.
Synopsis: The play centers on the Berniers, two unmarried sisters, Carrie and Anna, who live in New Orleans. Their lives are disrupted by the return of their brother, Julian, and his young wife, Lily. Julian arrives with a large sum of money, obtained through a questionable business deal involving his wife's family, promising a new, more affluent life for all. However, the sisters' unhealthy dependence on Julian and their own repressed desires ultimately lead to jealousy, betrayal, and the unraveling of Julian's newfound success. The play explores themes of sibling rivalry, the corrosive nature of dependence, the dangers of repressed sexuality, and the illusion of the American Dream.
Characters:
- Carrie Berniers: One of Julian's sisters, deeply attached to him.
- Anna Berniers: Carrie's sister, also dependent on Julian.
- Julian Berniers: The brother of Carrie and Anna, recently "successful."
- Lily Prine Berniers: Julian's young wife, naive and trusting.
- Albertine Prine: Lily's mother, a wealthy and manipulative woman.
- Charlotte Warkins: A black woman, friend and confidante of Albertine.
- Henry: Doorman
Themes:
- Dependence and Codependency: The unhealthy reliance of the sisters on Julian.
- Sibling Rivalry: The competitive and often destructive relationship between the siblings.
- Repressed Sexuality: The hidden and unspoken desires of Carrie and Anna.
- Greed and Corruption: The questionable means by which Julian obtains his wealth.
- The Illusion of the American Dream: The ultimately unattainable and destructive pursuit of wealth and status.
Awards and Recognition:
- Pulitzer Prize for Drama (1960)
- New York Drama Critics' Circle Award for Best Play (1960)
Adaptations:
- A film adaptation of the play was released in 1963, starring Dean Martin, Geraldine Page, Wendy Hiller, and Yvette Mimieux.