Catch 22 (play)

Infobox Play | name = Catch-22


caption =
writer = Joseph Heller
chorus = | characters = John Yossarian
Chaplain Tappman
Milo Minderbinder
Captain Black
Doc Daneeka
McWatt
mute =
setting = Italy
date of premiere =1971
country of Origin = United States of America
original language = English
series =
subject =
genre =Satire, Drama

"Catch-22" is a satirical, historical fiction, theatre production by the American author Joseph Heller, first produced in 1971. The novel "Catch-22", on which this play is based, is set during the latter stages of the Second World War from 1943 onwards. It is frequently cited as one of the great literary works of the Twentieth Century.

The story follows Captain John Yossarian, a U.S. Army Air Forces B-52 bombardier, and a number of other characters. Most events occur while the airmen of the Fighting 256th (or "two to the fighting eighth power") Squadron are based on the island of Pianosa, west of Italy. Many events in the story are repeatedly described from differing points of view, so the reader learns more about the event from each iteration. Furthermore, the events are referred to as if the reader already knows all about them. The pacing of "Catch-22" is frenetic, its tenor intellectual, and its humor largely absurd, though interspersed with moments of grisly realism.

Until recently this show has had relatively low success and has never been performed on Broadway as was originally intended. However Aquila Theatre produced a stage adaptation of Catch-22 directed by Peter Meineck and based on Heller's own play which he wrote in 1971. This production toured the USA in 2007/8 and a New York City production will begin in November at the Lucille Lortel Theatre with opening night currently set for November 23rd. [http://www.playbill.com/news/article/122056.html]

References