Wounded (play)

Wounded is a play by American playwright William Inge, first produced in 1957 under the title The Dark at the Top of the Stairs. It was later revised and retitled Wounded before its official Broadway premiere in December 1957.

The play explores themes of loneliness, disillusionment, and the struggle for understanding within a small Oklahoma town in the 1920s. It centers on the Flood family, particularly Cora and Rubin Flood, and their children, Reenie and Sonny. Rubin, a traveling harness salesman, faces the challenges of a changing economy and his own insecurities, while Cora yearns for connection and the comfort of shared experiences. Reenie, a sensitive teenager, navigates the complexities of first love and social acceptance. Sonny, a young boy, struggles with his own anxieties and finds solace in his imaginative world.

The play examines the emotional wounds that each character carries, often inflicted by societal expectations, personal disappointments, and the inability to effectively communicate. It delves into the unspoken tensions and underlying frustrations that permeate family life. Key plot points involve Reenie's romantic experiences, Rubin's professional struggles, and the family's collective effort to cope with tragedy and loss.

While The Dark at the Top of the Stairs enjoyed significant success, Inge continued to refine his vision, ultimately leading to the revision and renaming as Wounded. However, the original title remains more widely recognized and produced.