The second volume of plays by Jack Random, the plays in this collection date from the early to mid eighties and reflect varied interests and stages of personal development. The young romantic (Nashville Round, Aphrodite House) is definitely here as is the profound influence of Joseph Campbell (Heroes, Ringed Women of the Forbidden Forest). The collection also reflects a transition to political activism (Scenarios) and a regard for American history (Reason’s Reckoning). NASHVILLE ROUND: Singers and songwriters struggle to balance artistic and financial needs in Nashville, Tennessee. Where fools reign supreme and tears are miracles of light; in the shadows of the chosen ones…on the streets of Nashville. HEROES: A couple rediscovers the heroes within in the company of spirits at an abandoned tavern. If you look beyond the sorrow you see hope and love and greatness. RINGED WOMEN: A prince must survive seven trials to reach the Ringed Women and unite a divided land. I beheld the illumination of darkness and a trinity of ancient goddesess, the Ringed Women of Earth, Air and Water. APHRODITE HOUSE: A dreamer learns the lessons of love at a house dominated by the spirit of woman. Only a house but such a house that like the brilliant red moon in the eyes of a dreamer holds forth a sacred promise and beckons. SCENARIOS: A reporter pursues a story concerning 9-11 with a rogue CIA analyst. We took situations and events to create scenarios. We ran them to their logical conclusions. REASON’S RECKONING: Tom Paine recalls the events of his life. We have it in our power to begin the world over again. These are plays that reflect the life and times of their author. Written with a knowledge of the practical limitations of the stage, they are at once ambitious and simple. They were written with laughter and tears and the hope that future audiences will be compelled to think and feel as the author felt.
