Do you think that August:Osage County has the potential to become a classic American play?

[Winston3]

Posted: 1/16/09 at 3:00pm

I went to see August this passed Tuesday for what was overall my 4th time at this show. I was wondering, does this show have the potential to be an American classic? I don't mean right now of course. I am just talking several years down the line. I can't help but thinking yes with all the reviews that said that it was the best play in the past decade and things of that nature.

What are your thoughts on this?

[dg22894]

Posted: 1/16/09 at 3:15pm

it could happen

[BustopherPhantom]

Posted: 1/16/09 at 3:24pm

John Heilpern, in one of his attacks on AUGUST, called it a play in which "almost everything is said." At the time, he was comparing it to the recent revival of Pinter's THE HOMECOMING, in which almost nothing is said.

Shakespeare's plays are classics, not only because they continue to resonate with every generation, but also because one finds something new every time a new production is mounted (or, indeed, every time one of his plays is read.)

I think AUGUST's status as a classic will depend more on whether it continues to work for each generation. But the play is incredibly act-able (will it stand up to different interpretations?), and very able-y constructed, so it's possible.

However, I think we should reserve further judgment until the film comes out: considering how film-able the play is, will it effectively stop all further productions of the play? (I don't think so, but, again, we'll see.)

[CurtainPullDowner]

Posted: 1/16/09 at 3:26pm

Yes.

[JeaniusIsMe]

Posted: 1/16/09 at 4:36pm

I agree whole-heartedly with Bustopher. It depends on whether the themes will continue to resonate with future generations.

That being said, I find the play to have a fairly universal appeal- and it seems to resonate strongly with most of the people who see it now. I can certainly see it becoming a classic.

[AfterTheSky]

Posted: 1/16/09 at 11:00pm

I don't think a film version would prevent stage versions. For example, the movie of Albee's "..Virginia Woolf?" is loved, but there are still successful stage versions.

[Drunk Chita Rivera]

Posted: 1/16/09 at 11:04pm

Yes, it is an incredible show. I agree with the rest of you.