A Nervous Smile: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 19:54, 8 January 2025

A Nervous Smile

A Nervous Smile is a play written by John Belluso, an American playwright known for his works that explore the lives of people with disabilities. The play premiered in 2005 and has been noted for its intense exploration of moral dilemmas faced by its characters.

Plot Summary[edit]

The play is set in New York City and revolves around three main characters: Brian, Eileen, and Nic. Brian and Eileen are a married couple struggling with the demands of caring for their severely disabled daughter, Emily. Nic is Brian's mistress, who becomes entangled in their lives as they grapple with their situation.

The central conflict arises when Brian and Eileen, overwhelmed by the challenges of their daughter's care, contemplate a drastic decision to abandon her. The play delves into themes of guilt, responsibility, and the limits of parental love.

Characters[edit]

Brian - A successful lawyer who is struggling with the emotional and financial burden of caring for his disabled daughter.
Eileen - Brian's wife, who is emotionally exhausted and conflicted about her role as a mother.
Nic - Brian's mistress, who provides a contrasting perspective on the situation and becomes a catalyst for change.
Emily - The unseen daughter whose presence and needs drive the narrative.

Themes[edit]

A Nervous Smile explores several key themes:

Disability and Caregiving - The play examines the challenges faced by caregivers of individuals with severe disabilities, highlighting the emotional and physical toll it takes.
Moral Dilemmas - The characters face difficult ethical decisions, questioning the boundaries of love and duty.
Infidelity and Relationships - The affair between Brian and Nic adds complexity to the narrative, exploring themes of betrayal and loyalty.

Production History[edit]

The play premiered at the Humana Festival of New American Plays in 2005. It has since been produced by various theater companies, often praised for its raw and honest portrayal of difficult subject matter.

Critical Reception[edit]

A Nervous Smile received mixed reviews, with some critics praising its bold exploration of taboo topics, while others found its portrayal of disability and caregiving controversial. The play is often discussed in the context of disability studies and theater for its unique perspective.

Related Pages[edit]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-==A Nervous Smile==
+A Nervous Smile
-''A Nervous Smile'' is a play written by American playwright John Belluso. It explores themes of disability, societal expectations, and personal responsibility. The play is known for its intense emotional depth and its critical examination of how society views and treats individuals with disabilities.
+'''A Nervous Smile''' is a play written by [[John Belluso]], an American playwright known for his works that explore the lives of people with disabilities. The play premiered in 2005 and has been noted for its intense exploration of moral dilemmas faced by its characters.
 ==Plot Summary==
-The play is set in New York City and revolves around three main characters: Brian, Eileen, and Nic. Brian and Eileen are a married couple struggling with the demands of caring for their severely disabled daughter, Emily. Nic is a close friend of the couple who becomes entangled in their lives as they grapple with their situation.
+The play is set in [[New York City]] and revolves around three main characters: Brian, Eileen, and Nic. Brian and Eileen are a married couple struggling with the demands of caring for their severely disabled daughter, Emily. Nic is Brian's mistress, who becomes entangled in their lives as they grapple with their situation.
-As the play unfolds, Brian and Eileen are faced with a moral dilemma. They must decide whether to continue caring for Emily, whose needs are overwhelming, or to abandon her in pursuit of their own happiness. Nic, who has his own personal struggles, becomes a confidant and catalyst for the couple's decision-making process.
+The central conflict arises when Brian and Eileen, overwhelmed by the challenges of their daughter's care, contemplate a drastic decision to abandon her. The play delves into themes of guilt, responsibility, and the limits of parental love.
-==Themes==
+==Characters==
-''A Nervous Smile'' delves into several complex themes:
+* '''[[Brian]]''' - A successful lawyer who is struggling with the emotional and financial burden of caring for his disabled daughter.
+* '''[[Eileen]]''' - Brian's wife, who is emotionally exhausted and conflicted about her role as a mother.
+* '''[[Nic]]''' - Brian's mistress, who provides a contrasting perspective on the situation and becomes a catalyst for change.
+* '''[[Emily]]''' - The unseen daughter whose presence and needs drive the narrative.
-===Disability and Society===
+==Themes==
-The play challenges societal perceptions of disability, questioning the value placed on individuals based on their ability to contribute to society. It highlights the often invisible struggles faced by caregivers and the lack of support systems available to them.
+'''A Nervous Smile''' explores several key themes:
-===Moral Dilemmas===
+* '''[[Disability]] and Caregiving''' - The play examines the challenges faced by caregivers of individuals with severe disabilities, highlighting the emotional and physical toll it takes.
+* '''[[Moral Dilemmas]]''' - The characters face difficult ethical decisions, questioning the boundaries of love and duty.
+* '''[[Infidelity]] and Relationships''' - The affair between Brian and Nic adds complexity to the narrative, exploring themes of betrayal and loyalty.
-At its core, the play is about the moral choices people make when faced with difficult circumstances. It examines the conflict between personal desires and ethical responsibilities, particularly in the context of family and caregiving.
+==Production History==
-===Isolation and Connection===
+The play premiered at the [[Humana Festival of New American Plays]] in 2005. It has since been produced by various theater companies, often praised for its raw and honest portrayal of difficult subject matter.
-The characters in ''A Nervous Smile'' experience profound isolation due to their circumstances. The play explores how this isolation affects their relationships and their ability to connect with others, both emotionally and physically.
+==Critical Reception==
-==Characters==
-* '''Brian''': A father struggling with the demands of caring for his disabled daughter. He is torn between his love for his family and his desire for personal freedom.
-* '''Eileen''': Brian's wife, who is equally burdened by the responsibilities of caregiving. She is pragmatic and often conflicted about the choices they must make.
-* '''Nic''': A friend of the couple who provides an outside perspective on their situation. He has his own personal issues that influence his interactions with Brian and Eileen.
-==Production History==
-''A Nervous Smile'' premiered in 2005 at the Humana Festival of New American Plays in Louisville, Kentucky. It has since been produced by various theater companies across the United States, receiving critical acclaim for its poignant storytelling and thought-provoking themes.
+'''A Nervous Smile''' received mixed reviews, with some critics praising its bold exploration of taboo topics, while others found its portrayal of disability and caregiving controversial. The play is often discussed in the context of [[disability studies]] and [[theater]] for its unique perspective.
-==Reception==
+==Related Pages==
-The play has been praised for its unflinching portrayal of difficult subjects and its ability to provoke discussion about the ethics of caregiving and the societal treatment of individuals with disabilities. Critics have noted Belluso's skillful writing and the emotional impact of the play's narrative.
+* [[John Belluso]]
+* [[Disability in the arts]]
+* [[Humana Festival of New American Plays]]
+{{DEFAULTSORT:Nervous Smile, A}}
 [[Category:American plays]]
 [[Category:2005 plays]]
 [[Category:Plays about disability]]