This is Our Youth (PDF/ePUB) By Kenneth Lonergan Read Online for free.
This is Our Youth Information
| Book Name: | This is Our Youth |
| Author: | Kenneth Lonergan |
| Pages | 136 |
| Language: | English |
| File Type: | PDF/ePub (Downloadable) |
| PDF Size: | 394 KB |
| ePub Size | 100 KB |
Dennis, born to a renowned painter father and a mother actively involved in social activism, currently engages in low-level drug distribution and exhibits a significant degree of personal disarray. The protagonist’s admirer, Warren, has recently committed an impulsive act of theft, appropriating a sum of $15,000 from his father, who is an individual of influence within the lingerie industry and has a history of abusive behaviour.
When Jessica, a student attending a prestigious preparatory school, arrives for a scheduled encounter, Warren presents a substantial amount of money and proceeds to accompany her in a manner that lacks finesse, with the intention of engaging in a night of seduction. This Is Our Youth is a highly amusing narrative that evokes both a sense of melancholy and emotional resonance. Its sharp and incisive nature remains just as impactful as it was at its initial highly praised debut in 1996.
About The Author Kenneth Lonergan
Kenneth Lonergan, an individual of American nationality, was born on October 16, 1962. He is recognised for his contributions to the fields of film direction, playwriting, and screenwriting. Lonergan is well recognised for his contributions in the field of playwriting. The playwright is widely recognised for his notable works, which encompass This Is Our Youth, Lobby Hero, and The Waverly Gallery. Furthermore, both plays experienced a prosperous revival on Broadway, leading to their respective nominations for the prestigious Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play.
This is Our Youth Book Summary
I am familiar with Kenneth Lonergan mostly through his notable cinematic works, such as “Manchester by the Sea.” However, I have not yet had the opportunity to engage with his play, which has been acclaimed for its portrayal of a disillusioned cohort of young individuals, often referred to as a “lost generation.” I resided in Manhattan throughout the year 1996, coinciding with the highly acclaimed premiere of the play.
However, due to the play’s central theme revolving around the lives of three affluent Caucasian adolescents residing in the upper west side, I deemed it more prudent and productive to allocate my time elsewhere. However, I recently engaged with a notable 2014 LA Theatre Works production of the play, which showcased the talents of Josh Hamilton, Mark Ruffalo (known for his portrayal of Hulk), and Missy Yager. Notably, these actors reprised their respective roles from over a decade ago in New York City.
The aforementioned trio consists of two male individuals who have recently completed their education at a prestigious preparatory institution, alongside a female student who is now enrolled in a similar preparatory school. It is worth noting that all three individuals come from affluent backgrounds. The individuals in question possess ample wealth but lack any discernible plans or ambitions, rendering them devoid of any commendable qualities.
However, within the context of this particular performance, which reflects a retrospective perspective, there appears to be a degree of empathy towards their state of being lost, as perceived by the observer. Dennis can be characterised as a low-level narcotics distributor, whereas Warren has recently appropriated a sum of $15,000 in currency from his father’s possession. Warren’s intention is to establish a connection with Jessica, with the aim of impressing her. None of the individuals possess any notable qualities save for their privileged socioeconomic status as affluent Caucasian youths. Nevertheless, the conversational exchanges exhibit remarkable quality, frequently evoking amusement and occasionally evoking emotional resonance.
This particular work can be viewed in conjunction with Larry Clark’s (1995) film Kids, which explores the lives of affluent predominantly Caucasian middle school students in Manhattan who are already immersed in drug use and sexual activities. Both works can be interpreted as cautionary tales that address contemporary concerns regarding the behaviour of young individuals. Both of them evoke fear in different aspects and also possess a comedic element in their sense of despair. However, it may be argued that the portrayal of youth in the film is not entirely devoid of hope. Despite the characters of Dennis and Warren being depicted as unintelligent, abusive, and vulgar, there are instances of emotional connection between Warren and Jessica that evoke a sense of tenderness.