A Thousand Clowns
A Thousand Clowns by Herb Gardner, published by Penguin Books in 1983, is a play that explores the life of Murray Burns, who is raising his twelve-year-old nephew in New York City. In this edition, consisting of 126 pages, the narrative unfolds as Murray, having quit his job as head writer for a television show, grapples with the expectations of adulthood while preferring the escapism of movies over the pursuit of employment. The arrival of social workers from the Bureau of Child Welfare adds pressure as they urge him to conform to societal norms to prove his suitability as a guardian.
Readers will find a poignant examination of personal choice versus societal expectations in this work. The play delves into themes of family dynamics and the struggle for identity within the framework of American life. Through Murray’s journey, the narrative raises questions about conformity and the responsibilities of guardianship, inviting reflection on what it means to be a caregiver in a world that often prioritizes conventional paths. This edition presents Gardner’s unique voice in American drama, blending elements of fiction and poetry to create a compelling story.
Official synopsis Publisher
This play is the story of Murray Burns, who is raising his twelve-year-old nephew in New York City. Murray quits his job as head writer of a TV show. That life does not only happen on the weekends. He prefers going to the movies instead of looking for a job. When social workers from the Bureau of Child Welfare come to investigate, they try to convince him to get another job. He must decide whether to accept some level of conformity in order to be approved as a fit guardian.
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