See How They Run

FROMTHE DRAMATURG When British television service could not continue during World War II due to financial and security reasons, the BBC prioritized radio variety programs — emphasizing the importance of comedy and entertainment to maintain morale. Responding to the need for humorous entertainment, See How They Run was written in 1942, and the original production toured nationally to entertain the troops. Enjoying humor despite difficult situations can be challenging, but Philip King’s script enabled people to do just that. Life during World War II was hard for everyone. Men were away fighting; bombs and air raids interrupted daily life; and rationing made everything from safety pins to sugar difficult to obtain. See How They Run honestly portrays this culture and did not remove audience members of the time from their struggles. Rather, the play showed them the potential for humor in the conflicts. Appreciating the lighthearted elements of complicated situations is just as beneficial for us today. No matter how crazy our lives are, comedy can both remove us from and help us see humor within our difficulties. In comically portraying situations, the characters in See How They Run are all identifiable people who completely believe in themselves. Even in a play filled with mistaken identities, the characters are remarkably real and have prompted audiences throughout decades to laugh at their antics. Likewise, the people around us have layers and depth. See How They Run shows us how to truly connect with and learn from others as we deal with life’s challenges through humor together. — Katherine M. Nelson* Dramaturg * Member of Alpha Psi Omega, the National Honorary Theatre Society PLAY ON WORDS, a study guide, has been prepared by the production dramaturg and is available without charge at the concessions booth in the theatre lobby. Please silence all pagers, cell phones, and watch alarms. As a courtesy to the actors and those around you, do not text or instant message during the performance.