The Hairy Ape
First Staged:
Playwrights' Theatre, New York 1922

The Hairy Ape

By Eugene O'Neill

The Hairy Ape is Eugene O'Neill's nightmarish condemnation of the dehumanising effects of industrialisation on the American people.

Robert 'Yank' Smith, an animalistic stoker, breaks free from his engine-room confines when he is spurned by the glamorous society woman, Mildred Douglas. Looking to find his free self out in the 'real' world, Yank goes on the rampage – but how much will his freedom cost him? And is there really any such thing?

The Hairy Ape was first staged at the Playwrights' Theater, New York, in March 1922.

Press Quotes

'A stark and forceful piece'

Exuent Magazine

'O'Neill's play is an existentialist rollercoaster powered by a poetry'

Time Out

'In a time of austerity and job losses the playwright's rant against the ruling classes, giving voice to the embittered working man, does not go amiss'

Londonist

Also by Eugene O'Neill:

Anna Christie
Strange Interlude
All God's Chillun Got Wings
Anna Christie & The Emperor Jones: two plays
The Hairy Ape & All God's Chillun Got Wings
A Moon for the Misbegotten
The Emperor Jones
Ah! Wilderness
The Great God Brown
A Touch of the Poet
Desire Under the Elms
Desire Under the Elms & The Great God Brown
Long Day's Journey into Night
Mourning Becomes Electra
The Iceman Cometh

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