Sam Shepard
Sam Shepard was an American playwright, actor, author, screenwriter, and director. He authored over 55 plays and won 10 Obie Awards for writing and directing, the most won by any writer or director. He was also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in 'The Right Stuff'. His plays are known for their bleak, poetic, often surrealist elements, black comedy, and rootless characters living on the outskirts of American society. Shepard passed away in 2017.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. True West
The play is a darkly comedic exploration of the volatile relationship between two estranged brothers who are brought together at their mother's suburban California home. The older brother, a struggling screenwriter, is working on a script while housesitting, only to be interrupted by his younger sibling, a drifter and thief. What follows is an intense, often surreal, confrontation that challenges their identities and aspirations, ultimately leading to a role reversal as they vie for the approval of a Hollywood producer. Their conflict escalates to a point of no return, symbolizing the clash of American myths and realities and questioning the very nature of authenticity and success.
The 2380th Greatest Book of All Time -
2. Seven Plays
"Seven Plays" is a collection of dramatic works by a renowned American playwright that delves into the complexities of American family life, personal identity, and societal norms. The plays are known for their intense character studies, dark humor, and exploration of the American West's mythos. Through a range of settings, from desolate farms to urban apartments, the anthology examines themes of decay, alienation, and redemption, often through the lens of dysfunctional family dynamics. The playwright's signature use of surreal imagery, unconventional narrative structures, and sharp dialogue has cemented these works as significant contributions to contemporary theater.
The 8152nd Greatest Book of All Time -
3. Fool For Love
"Fool for Love" is a play that delves into the complex and turbulent relationship between two former lovers who find themselves holed up in a seedy motel room on the edge of the Mojave Desert. As they confront their intertwined past and the deep-seated secrets that have driven them apart, the play explores themes of obsession, identity, and the blurred lines between reality and illusion. The presence of an old man, who observes and comments on the action, adds a layer of mystery and symbolism, while the arrival of another character introduces an external perspective to the couple's intense emotional struggle. The play's raw dialogue and dramatic tension reflect the characters' desperate struggle for connection and their inability to escape the destructive patterns that bind them.
The 9028th Greatest Book of All Time
