First collection from the 2004 Pearson Award-winning playwrightSimon Stephens Plays: 1 brings together four of the early plays from the winner of the 2002 Pearson Best New Play Award. Since Bluebird in 1998; Stephens has gained recognition for humane plays that display a sharp observation and compassionate response to the lives of ordinary people in urban locations.Bluebird: Cabbie Jimmy overhears the weird; wonderful and violent tales of his passengers he confronts his past and his estranged wife. A rough gem of a play - The TimesChristmas: One night in an East end pub; four men confront their past and brace themselves for an uncertain future. Beautifully crafted - Whats OnHerons: The disturbing story of one teenager on a violent estate in London; which saw Stephens nominated for an Olivier Award for Most Promising Playwright in 2001.Port: One womans struggle to cope with and finally escape her life in Stockport. (Winner of Pearson Award for Best New Play.)A brilliant writer of immense imagination with an acute observation of peoples foibles - Independent
#983472 in eBooks 2013-06-10 2013-06-10File Name: B00DZX5SBU
Review
30 of 30 people found the following review helpful. Educational. Emotional. Exceptional.By john mooreIm a long-time Gil Scott-Heron (GSH) fan. Since his passing there have been a few books that tell his story. Gils memoir; THE LAST HOLIDAY; is interesting but he left lots of holes in his story. Leslie Goffes book; GSH: A FATHER AND HIS SON; is a great read that tells an interesting father/son story. Marcus Barams book; PIECES OF A MAN; is the best yet and its a must-read for any GSH fan. The research is deep; the writing is engaging; and the stories are priceless. Baram shares the most information Ive read about Gils lost years in the 80s and 90s. While its emotional to read; I enjoyed hearing from Gils friends and band members discussing his drug addiction issues. Baram also gives us more information in the rift that developed between Gil and his music co-conspirator; Brian Jackson. I will cherish this book for years to come. Thanks Marcus for caring so much to write such a thoughtful biography of a mans whose music has meant so much to me.7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. This book helped me understand Gil Scott-Heron. Very much worth reading.By Gerard HallarenThis book helped me understand Gil Scott-Heron. Its not a pretty picture. The book starts with a long and sometimes slow discussion of his childhood. While reading it; I wondered if the book would be worth the time. Very quickly this well written story gained momentum and by the mid-point; I could barely put it down.Several decades ago; when I was in High School; I first heard Gil Scott-Herons In The Bottle; read and listened to some of his other works; and learned of his opposition to using hard drugs. I was amazed and impressed by his radical clarity. In 2010; "The New Yorker" published an excellent piece examining Gil Scott-Herons (then current) life and dependence on crack cocaine. It was probably the first thing Id heard about Gill Scott-Heron in 20 years or more. Less than a year later; he was dead.This book helped me understand the man; his greatness and his vanities.11 of 12 people found the following review helpful. The essence of Gil is artfully capturedBy Read-A-LotI must admit that Im extremely biased when it comes to Gil Scott-Heron. He was such a talent; a musical genius; an intellectual par excellence and an artist committed to the improvement of lives of people. I think this book does a great job of capturing the essence of Gil. From his childhood to his musical journey; the brilliance of his unscripted performances; the drug use; the decline in health; its all here. And it reads like a runaway train; one of those books you cant put down; because you are so eager to see whats next for Gil. If you arent familiar with Gil Scott-Heron; this book serves as a great introduction. If you are a fan; like myself; this is a tremendous trip down memory lane.