The best 16 Plays books

Electra (410 BC) is a deep dive into the power of emotions and the thirst for justice. It outlines the severe grief and anger of Electra, a character in ancient Greek mythology, who yearns to avenge her father’s murder.

The Cherry Orchard (1904) is a poignant reflection on the fading influence of Russia’s nobility at the dawn of a new age of industry and materialism. The play centers on an aristocratic family returning to its ancestral estate, shortly before the property’s sale. Despite proposals to rescue the estate, the family’s impractical and nostalgic romanticism leads to disaster; the family home is sold to a plebeian millionaire intent on cutting down its titular cherry orchard. 

The play "Trojan Women" by Euripides tells the tragic story of the women of Troy after their city has been conquered by the Greeks. It explores themes of war, loss, and the suffering of innocent civilians, offering a powerful commentary on the devastating effects of conflict. Through the voices of its female characters, the play challenges the glorification of war and calls for empathy and compassion towards its victims.

Long Day's Journey Into Night is a powerful and deeply personal play that delves into the dysfunctional dynamics of a family. Set over the course of one day, it explores the complex relationships between the Tyrone family members as they grapple with their own demons and the weight of their past. With raw emotion and poignant storytelling, Eugene O'Neill offers a haunting portrayal of addiction, regret, and the enduring bond of family.

Set in the Mississippi Delta, "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" is a powerful drama that delves into the complexities of family relationships, greed, and societal expectations. The play revolves around the wealthy Pollitt family as they gather to celebrate the birthday of patriarch Big Daddy. Tensions rise as long-buried secrets and desires come to the surface, ultimately exposing the fragile facade of their lives. Williams' masterful storytelling and rich character development make this a timeless classic.

Hedda Gabler is a play written by Henrik Ibsen that delves into the complex and tragic life of the title character, Hedda Gabler. Set in 19th century Norway, the play explores themes of power, control, and societal expectations as Hedda navigates her unhappy marriage and the constraints placed upon her as a woman. With its gripping plot and thought-provoking dialogue, Hedda Gabler is a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences.

The Bacchae is a Greek tragedy that tells the story of the god Dionysus and his revenge on the city of Thebes. Through a series of dramatic events, the play explores themes of power, religion, and the consequences of denying one's true nature. It is a thought-provoking and timeless examination of the human condition.

The Iceman Cometh is a play by Eugene O'Neill that delves into the lives of a group of disillusioned individuals in a seedy bar. Set in 1912, the play explores themes of hope, delusion, and the human desire for connection as the characters confront their own shattered dreams and face the harsh realities of their lives. It is a powerful and thought-provoking examination of the human condition.

Come From Away tells the remarkable true story of a small town in Newfoundland that opened its doors to thousands of stranded airline passengers in the wake of the 9/11 attacks. Through interviews and firsthand accounts, the book explores the kindness and generosity of the townspeople, as well as the bonds that were formed in the face of tragedy. It is a heartwarming tale of compassion and unity in the midst of adversity.

"Tartuffe" is a classic French play written by Molière. It tells the story of a wealthy man named Orgon who is deceived by the hypocritical and manipulative Tartuffe. The play explores themes of religious hypocrisy, gullibility, and the consequences of blind faith. It is a satirical and thought-provoking work that continues to be relevant today.

"The Birds" is a comedic play by Aristophanes that tells the story of two Athenians who convince the birds to create a utopian city in the sky, in order to escape the control of the gods and the power of the city of Athens. The play is a satire on the political and social issues of ancient Greece, and explores themes of power, freedom, and the absurdity of human behavior.

The Glass Menagerie is a classic play that delves into the lives of the Wingfield family. Set in 1930s St. Louis, the story revolves around the dreams and struggles of the family members, particularly the fragile Laura and her overbearing mother Amanda. Through poetic language and poignant storytelling, Tennessee Williams explores themes of illusion, escape, and the harsh realities of life.

"Life Is a Dream" is a thought-provoking play that explores the themes of fate, free will, and the nature of reality. Written by Spanish playwright Pedro Calderón de la Barca, the story follows the journey of Prince Segismundo, who is imprisoned at birth due to a prophecy. As he grapples with his newfound freedom, Segismundo questions the nature of his existence and the power of his own choices. This philosophical and introspective work challenges the audience to ponder the meaning of life and the role of destiny in shaping our experiences.

Oedipus at Colonus is a Greek tragedy by Sophocles that tells the story of Oedipus, the former king of Thebes, as he seeks refuge in the sacred grove of the Furies at Colonus. The play explores themes of fate, redemption, and the power of the gods, as Oedipus comes to terms with his past and prepares for his eventual death. It is a powerful and thought-provoking examination of the human condition.

"Philoctetes" is a Greek tragedy by Sophocles that tells the story of a Greek warrior who is abandoned on a deserted island because of a painful and foul-smelling wound. When the Greeks need his magical bow to win the Trojan War, they send Odysseus to convince him to join them. The play explores themes of betrayal, suffering, and the power of fate.

Life is a Dream is a philosophical play by Pedro Calderón de la Barca that delves into the themes of fate, free will, and the illusory nature of reality. Set in a fictional kingdom, it tells the story of Segismundo, a prince who has been imprisoned since birth due to a prophecy. When he is finally released, the play raises questions about the nature of existence and the choices we make.