Plays About Imagination, Dreams or Surrealism

These plays have surreal or imaginary sequences. The plays that don’t, but have imagination as a theme, are in their own section at the bottom.

Funnyhouse of a Negro by Adrienne Kennedy (1 Act)

Sarah, a young woman with a black father and white mother, lives in New York. She’s conflicted with her racial identity, with bad feelings toward her father and positive ones toward her mother. The play opens with a surreal sequence.

The Ghost Sonata by August Strindberg (3 Acts)

A poor student, Arkenholz, spent the night helping the people in a house collapse. After, he talks to the Milkmaid, whom no one else can see. He then meets The Old Man, who recognizes him and knew the Student’s father. They have differing stories on his history. The Student has admired a beautiful building where the Girl lives and wants to live a prosperous life in a building like it. The Old Man agrees to help leverage his heroism into wealth and success.

Sleep Deprivation Chamber by Adrienne Kennedy & Adam P. Kennedy (3 Scenes)

A young African-American man, Teddy, was severely beaten by a police officer during a stop over a broken taillight. He was then arrested and charged with assault and battery. He and his family cope with the situation and legal proceedings. There are several dream sequences.

Six Characters in Search of an Author by Luigi Pirandello

The performers wait for a play rehearsal to begin. The Producer enters to get things started. The group is interrupted by six strangers. They claim to be unfinished characters who haven’t had their story told. They’re looking for an author to finish them.

This Is a Test by Stephen Gregg (1 Act)

It’s test day at school, and Alan is panicked. All his preparation has gone wrong, and there are many distractions. He struggles to answer the questions.

Bury the Dead by Irwin Shaw (1 Act)

During an unidentified war, soldiers dig a collective grave for their fallen comrades. The dead stand up, refusing to be buried. Many people try to convince them to change their minds—religious figures, superior officers and family.

• Plays About Imagination •

Six Degrees of Separation by John Guare

Last night, Flan and Ouisa Kittredge had dinner with Geoffrey, a wealthy friend, in their New York apartment. Flan is an art dealer, and had a proposal for Geoffrey. Their discussion was interrupted by a young African-American man, Paul, who was mugged in Central Park. He knows the Kittredge’s kids from college. He’s also the son of the actor Sidney Poitier. The Kitteredge’s look after him.