The Good of the Sun

Synopsis

This one-act play is set in Mexico in the late 1950's. Every scene takes place in the garden patio of the Mexican villa where Max and his wife of seven years, Mary, are staying. Max is fifteen years her senior, and recovering from a serious illness. A Mexican doctor, Leon, often comes to visit and play cards while he checks on Max. When Leon loses his nurse, Max offers Mary to work at the clinic. She throws herself into volunteering. Her virginal quality seems to exasperate Max, and he pushes her to spend more time with the doctor, even after Mary admits to finding Leon attractive. Max and Mary's discussions of infedility, jealously and cultural differences are at the heart of the play.

Note: The Good of the Sun began as a radio play, and aired August, 1960 on CBC's "Summer Stage".

Theatrical Productions

1. MacPherson Theatre, University of Victoria, BC, 1970.

2. Vancouver Fringe Festival, Vancouver Cultural Centre, 2014

Bibiliography

Candelaria, Frederick (ed.), West Coast Review, Vol. 10, No. 1 (June 1975), Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, pp 3-18.