A Pirate of Parts

"A Pirate of Parts" by Richard Neville is a story set in the early 1900s. It tells the tale of Handy, a spirited actor with endless optimism, as he gathers a diverse group of performers to form his own theater company. They begin a journey across the Long Island Sound, seeking audiences. At first, Handy is a struggling actor. However, he decides to create his own company to tour coastal towns. When he has his company, their adventures include a funny attempt to perform “Uncle Tom's Cabin" under a tent, leading to comical problems, such as confrontations with police. The story's start creates a lighthearted feeling while suggesting larger ideas of ambition, friendship, and the uncertain life of a performer.