Polish Joke: And Other Plays

A collection of four works from the American playwright known as “wizardly … magical and funny … a master of language” (The New York Times).

This collection brings together four full-length plays from the same dazzling pen that produced the one-act comic masterpieces of All in the Timing.

Polish Joke is about a young Polish-American’s trip through ethnic stereotypes. Nine-year-old Midwesterner Jan Bogdan Sadlowski, nicknamed Jasiu, is told by his uncle that Poles are thought to be “backward, stupid, inept, and gloomy. ” The only way out is for Jasiu “to impersonate someone not Polish. ”

In Don Juan in Chicago, a Renaissance innocent makes a deal with the devil, only to become a reluctant Latin lover.

Ancient History is a comedy-drama about the holy war that breaks out when two people from two very different cultures fall in love.

The Red Address paints a searing portrait of a man with a secret who is forced by tragedy into self-revelation.

Praise for David Ives

“A pitcher with a great many tricks up his sleeve. He throws like an all-star … mixing comedic moods and styles with a dizzying assortment of changeups. ” —The New York Times

Polish Joke

“Ives skillfully climbs the slippery slope of political incorrectness without a single mean-spirited stumble. ” —CurtainUp

Don Juan in Chicago

“Ives invents an irresistible premise and has fun making good on its promise. ” —Los Angeles Times

Ancient History

“A riveting theatrical experience. ” —Show Business

The Red Address

“Mix Glengarry Glen Ross with Glen or Glenda … A tough-talking drama that mixes business sharks, blackmail, cross-dressing and murder. ” —Variety

© 2007 Grove Press (E-bog): 9780802199201

Release date

E-bog: 1. december 2007