Two powerful expressionist plays from the early career of one of the twentieth century's most significant writers.The Hairy Ape is a nightmarish condemnation of the dehumanising effects of industrialisation on the American people.Robert 'Yank' Smith, an animalistic stoker, breaks free from his engine-room confines when he is spurned by the glamorous society woman, Mildred Douglas. Looking to find his free self out in the 'real' world, Yank goes on the rampage – but how much will his freedom cost him? And is there really any such thing?First staged at the Playwrights' Theater, New York, in March 1922.All God's Chillun Got Wings is a vigorous social commentary based around a violently dysfunctional mixed-race marriage.Ella is the neurotically jealous white wife of Jim, a driven, charismatic black man. She sabotages his career, effectively destroying him, before her frenzy lapses into remorseless dependency.First performed in 1924 at the Provincetown Playhouse, New York, in a production starring Paul Robeson.This edition includes a full introduction, biographical sketch and chronology.
