Word: gurneys
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Dates: during 1990-1999
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...Gurney establishes his meta-theatrical premise and then proceeds to make the audience aware of the contrivance of his play and of the medium in general. Roger and Julia discuss how their actions contribute to the plot and talk about wanting to "have scenes" with other characters...
...Gurney strives to keep the audience entertained through his trademark witty dialogue, and often succeeds. When Julia begins a story, "I have a friend....," Floyd cuts her off in a snotty voice, "I seriously doubt that...
...Gurney also uses Cole Porter songs in an effort to keep the play moving. However wonderful the songs may be, they do not fit well with the rest of the play. Although each final note evoked applause from the audience, the songs detract from the cohesiveness of "The Fourth Wall...
...Gurney has a distinct beginning and end, but the rest of the play seems like filler. In order to have some plot other than what the four characters will do about the fourth wall, Gurney creates the subplot of a possible affair between Roger and Julia. But Peggy is not worried enough about Roger and Julia to intervene when they are locked in the bedroom together. Although Gurney does create some suspense with the possibility of the affair, he thwarts it and renders it meaningless...
...making the affair plot unimportant, Gurney mocks tv shows and movies which do revolve around such typical plots. In fact, Gurney takes several stabs at sitcoms...