The Big Drum: A Comedy in Four Acts

"The Big Drum: A Comedy in Four Acts" by Arthur Wing Pinero is a play that kicks off with the coaxing of Philip Mackworth, a writer, out of his secluded world by his pal, Robert Roope. The goal? A luncheon that strategically places Philip in the path of Ottoline de Chaumié, a widow with whom he shares a history. The play looks at the rekindling of old flames amid the strict rules of society and what people want. It explores the push and pull between love and personal dreams. As Philip and Ottoline reconnect, the audience sees hidden feelings come back up, setting the scene for a funny exploration of the characters' flaws and social climbers are revealed, adding to the play's themes of love, drive, and living up to what society expects.