All the Drama: The Kentucky Cycle, 1992 Winner, Pulitzer Prize for Drama – Detailed Summary

Podcast Information:

• Title: BroadwayRadio
• Host: Jan Simpson
• Episode: All the Drama: The Kentucky Cycle, 1992 Winner, Pulitzer Prize for Drama
• Release Date: January 11, 2025
• Description: An in-depth exploration of The Kentucky Cycle, its creation, themes, reception, and lasting impact on American theater, featuring an exclusive interview with playwright Robert Schenken.

Introduction

In this compelling episode of BroadwayRadio, host Jan Simpson delves into the intricate tapestry of Robert Schenken's Pulitzer Prize-winning play, The Kentucky Cycle. Released in 1992, the play not only captured the essence of Appalachian life but also offered a profound commentary on American history and identity. This summary encapsulates the episode's rich discussions, insightful interviews, and the pivotal moments that shaped both the play and its creator.

Setting the Stage: America in 1992

Jan Simpson opens the episode by contextualizing the year 1992, a period marked by significant geopolitical and economic shifts:

• Post-Soviet Confidence: The collapse of the Soviet Union rejuvenated American exceptionalism, instilling a belief in the United States' destined leadership in global affairs.

• Globalization Fears: Simultaneously, the advent of globalization sparked anxiety among many Americans as manufacturing jobs migrated overseas, leading to job scarcity for non-college graduates and stagnant wages domestically.

This national debate was epitomized in the 1992 presidential election, featuring Republican incumbent George H. W. Bush, Young Democrat Bill Clinton, and third-party candidate Ross Perot, who challenged both major parties' efficacy.

Simpson highlights: “In that year of 1992, the Pulitzer Prize for drama went to Robert Schenken's The Kentucky Cycle, a nine-play chronicle that charts both the intertwined histories of three families in Appalachia and the stories we tell ourselves about what it means to be an American.”

The Genesis of The Kentucky Cycle

Schenken’s Inspiration and Research

Robert Schenken’s journey began in 1984 during a trip to eastern Kentucky while working at the Actors Theater of Louisville. This experience ignited his fascination with the region’s socio-economic struggles and environmental challenges. Over the ensuing years, Schenken collaborated with various theaters and workshops, including New Dramatists and the Ensemble Studio Theater in New York, to expand his ideas into a comprehensive nine-play cycle.

Development Process

The transition from initial one-acts to a grand saga involved extensive research and multiple workshops at prestigious venues such as the Mart Taper Forum in Los Angeles, the Long Wharf Theater in New Haven, and the Sundance Institute in Utah. Schenken’s dedication culminated in the world premiere at the Intamont Theater in Seattle in 1991, a challenging production that required two evenings for audiences and featured a versatile cast of 21 actors portraying over 70 characters.

Production Challenges

Financial constraints were significant, with an additional $125,000 needed to fund the ambitious production. The reliance on a single set posed further logistical hurdles, demanding extraordinary adaptability from the cast and crew.

Simpson notes: “The Kentucky Cycle was a mammoth undertaking. Audience members had to devote two evenings to take in the whole thing.”

Controversies and Critical Reception

Upon its release, The Kentucky Cycle faced mixed reactions:

• Stereotype Criticism: Some Kentucky writers accused the play of perpetuating stereotypes, depicting the region’s inhabitants as backward and violent.

• Political Correctness Accusations: Others argued that the play unfairly portrayed white characters as antagonists and people of color as victims, labeling it overly politically correct.

Despite these criticisms, the Pulitzer jury, chaired by the esteemed Time Magazine theater critic William Henry III, lauded the play for its “polemic and poetic” nature. Schenken's revisionist take on American myths and the play’s ability to intertwine surprise with moral depth were pivotal in its selection over strong contenders like David Felshus's Miss Evers Boys and August Wilson's Two Trains Running.

Notable Quote:
Bill (jury member) [Time Stamp: Not provided]: “Every sudden reversal contains both a surprise and an implicit moral without ever losing the freshness of the story to be enjoyed for its own sake.”

Broadway Debut and Challenges

A year after winning the Pulitzer, The Kentucky Cycle premiered on Broadway at the Royale Theater (now Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre) on November 14, 1993. The production featured:

• Stacy Keach: Masterfully portraying Michael Rowan and three of his descendants, delivering a breakout performance.

• Patrick Page: Making his Broadway debut as part of the ensemble.

Despite Critical Acclaim: The Broadway run was short-lived, closing after just 33 performances. Speculations for the play’s underperformance included:

• New York Critics’ Discontent: Some believed that New York critics were displeased by the Pulitzer jury’s decision to honor a play not yet staged in the city.

• Audience Disconnect: Others felt that New York theatergoers were indifferent to stories set in rural America, especially when juxtaposed with the overwhelming success of concurrent productions like Angels in America.

Simpson mentions: “There was a lot of speculation about why the show, which had been well received elsewhere, did so poorly in New York.”

Interview with Robert Schenken

Jan Simpson conducts an in-depth interview with Robert Schenken, providing personal insights and reflections on his Pulitzer-winning play.

Learning of the Pulitzer Win [14:54 - 15:05]

Schenken recounts the unexpected manner in which he learned about his Pulitzer success:

“I was living in Los Angeles at the time I was nominated... about 20 minutes before, 30 minutes before, I got a phone call from then critic for the Los Angeles Times... They had actually posted it before they formally announced it.” [15:05]

Choosing Kentucky as the Setting [16:21 - 16:39]

When questioned about selecting Kentucky—a state he wasn’t from—for his play, Schenken explains:

“Stories choose us, not the other way around... I was an actor, writer. I happened to be at Humana Festival at Actors Theater of Louisville and doing a play, a new play that was set in eastern Kentucky.” [16:39]

He emphasizes that while the struggles depicted in Kentucky are not unique, the region provided a poignant landscape to explore broader American themes.

Research and Personal Experiences [16:39 - 22:37]

Schenken details his immersive research trip to eastern Kentucky, where he confronted stark contrasts between beautiful landscapes and the devastation wrought by strip mining. The poverty he witnessed, especially its impact on children, profoundly influenced his writing.

“Poverty and deprivation, particularly as it affected young children, was really shocking... It was not unique to Kentucky, but Kentucky is where I had it.” [17:XX]

He credits Night Comes to the Cumberlands by Harry Caudel for deepening his understanding of the region’s socio-economic history, which inspired the theatrical narrative of The Kentucky Cycle.

Creative Process and Thematic Focus [22:37 - 26:07]

Discussing the structural elements of the play, Schenken speaks about balancing historical events with the fictional lives of three families. His thematic focus revolves around storytelling and the evolution of American myths.

“The theme was this whole notion of storytelling, the idea of story evolving into mythology and this notion of an American mythos.” [22:55]

Writing Sequentially and Play Development [26:07 - 29:12]

Schenken explains his non-linear approach to writing the plays, initially drafting plays one and six, which introduced coal interests into the region. His fascination with how coal barons manipulated local populations influenced the narrative structure.

“Stories choose you... I wrote play six and play one and thought there would be a third in this.” [26:07]

Overcoming Production Hurdles [29:03 - 32:45]

Facing doubts from friends and industry professionals about the feasibility of staging such an extensive play cycle, Schenken persevered. His persistence led to the eventual production at the Intamont Theater in Seattle, which received an "astonishing" review from Time Magazine and secured critical acclaim.

“When you get a production, please let us know. We would really like to see it.” [30:01]

This success was a turning point, prompting Schenken to commit fully to playwriting over acting.

Legacy and Continued Impact [33:34 - 36:28]

Reflecting on the play’s legacy, Schenken expresses both pride and a sense of missed opportunities due to its limited Broadway run. He underscores the play’s enduring relevance and hopes for future revivals.

“It has a lot to say today. As much as it had to say then, maybe even more.” [33:53]

Post-Pulitzer Career and Subsequent Works [36:28 - 39:47]

Schenken discusses the challenges following his Pulitzer win, including struggles with subsequent plays and branching into television and film. Notable works mentioned include:

• The Quiet American (2002): Adaptation starring Michael Caine.
• Hacksaw Ridge (2016): Earned six Academy Award nominations.
• The Pacific (HBO Miniseries): Received Emmy nominations and a Writers Guild Award.
• All the Way (2012 & 2014): Focused on Lyndon Johnson’s Civil Rights efforts, winning Tony Awards.
• Building the Wall (2016): A political satire responding to contemporary issues, produced extensively.

Current Perspectives and Future Projects [39:47 - 41:18]

Addressing the scarcity of politically charged plays in American theater, Schenken speculates on cultural differences, noting that such narratives are more prevalent in British theater. He remains optimistic about the play’s future, anticipating revivals despite economic and logistical challenges.

“My stories choose me... just write the story all right and play out how it plays out.” [40:21]

Reception and Aftermath

Despite its critical success, The Kentucky Cycle struggled to find enduring commercial success on Broadway. The intense competition from landmark productions like Angels in America overshadowed it, leading to its early closure. However, the play found continued life in smaller theaters and academic programs, where its depth and complexity are more thoroughly appreciated.

The attempted adaptation into an HBO miniseries, initially slated to star Kevin Costner, faced indefinite delays, illustrating the challenges of translating such a vast and nuanced work to screen.

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of The Kentucky Cycle

The Kentucky Cycle remains a monumental work in American theater, celebrated for its ambitious scope and profound exploration of American identity. Robert Schenken’s dedication to portraying the intricate fabric of Appalachian life has left an indelible mark, inspiring both audiences and fellow playwrights. This episode of BroadwayRadio not only honors the play’s achievements but also underscores its continued relevance in contemporary discourse.

Final Thought:
“It has a lot to say today... It was a recognition of a change that had actually been underway in American theater for a couple of decades.” – Robert Schenken

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Robert Schenken [15:05]:
   “I didn't hold any assumptions about what the result would be.”

2. Robert Schenken [16:39]:
   “Stories choose us, not the other way around.”

3. Robert Schenken [22:55]:
   “The theme was this whole notion of storytelling, the idea of story evolving into mythology and this notion of an American mythos.”

4. Robert Schenken [26:07]:
   “Stories choose you... I wrote play six and play one and thought there would be a third in this.”

5. Robert Schenken [33:53]:
   “It has a lot to say today. As much as it had to say then, maybe even more.”

6. Robert Schenken [40:21]:
   “My stories choose me... just write the story all right and play out how it plays out.”

Final Remarks

Jan Simpson’s exploration of The Kentucky Cycle offers a comprehensive understanding of its creation, challenges, and lasting impact. Through her meticulous narration and Schenken’s candid revelations, listeners gain an appreciation for the play's artistic and cultural significance. This episode serves as both a tribute and a critical analysis, ensuring that The Kentucky Cycle continues to inspire and provoke thoughtful reflection in the realm of American theater.