To mark the centenary of Arthur Miller’s birth, Sean Turner and The Old Red Lion in association with the Miller Trust, will present the world premiere of the until now long-lost first play of one of America’s greatest dramatists and political icons.
Over six days during spring break 1936 at the University of Michigan, a twenty year old college sophomore wrote his first play, No Villian. His aim was to win the prestigeous Avery Hopwood Award, and more importantly the $250 prize he needed to return to college the following year. Miller won the award, and the subsequent one, but the play was never produced – until now.
No Villian tells the story of a garment industry strike that sets a son against his factory proprietor father. Here, Miller explores the Marxist theory that would see him hauled before the House Un-American Activities Committee years later.
No Villian is to be directed by Sean Turner.
No Villian runs at the Old Red Lion from 8 December 2015 to 9th January 2016.