The Substance of Fire and Other Plays
At the age of 31, Baitz is emerging as a powerful new voice in the world of contemporary drama. In this collection of three plays, The Film Society (1985), The Substance of Fire (1991), and The End of the Day (1992), Baitz explores "the decreasing power of the individual and the increasing responsibility of the individual." Settings range from a crumbling boys' school in South Africa to a New York publishing house and a Southern California clinic. In each play, we see how someone with ideals and moral convictions succumbs to the forces of a corrupt society. These are serious pieces, touched with scathing wit. A forthcoming film version of Substance of Fire should help stir demand. This book is recommended for drama collections.- Howard E. Miller, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Missouri Lib., St. LouisCopyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.