The Beard

Synopsis

An ethereal, blue-lit void where fantasy meets raw reality.

Jean Harlow and Billy the Kid sit facing each other, their intense gazes interlocking as they engage in a provocative and surreal dialogue. In Michael McClure’s The Beard, these iconic figures from vastly different worlds come together in a charged encounter that defies the boundaries of time and genre. The play explores their dynamic interplay through a series of confrontations, teases, and philosophical exchanges, culminating in an act of profound intimacy. This controversial and avant-garde piece delves into the primal forces of desire, identity, and power.

McClure’s work, known for its bold use of language and boundary-pushing themes, is a stark commentary on the nature of human connection and societal taboos. The Beard employs a minimalist setting and relies heavily on the power of its dialogue, which oscillates between poetic and confrontational. The play’s tone is a blend of dark comedy and existential drama, creating a space where the mundane and the mythical collide. Its structure is linear, yet its thematic depth invites the audience to reflect on the intersections of fantasy and reality, making it a seminal piece in the landscape of modern American theatre.