Dinner Discussion of “Rock ’n’ Roll” by Tom Stoppard

This new play by Tom Stoppard has a misleading title. It’s really a political play about life in Czechoslovakia while it was occupied by Soviet troops in 1968-1971. Like other Stoppard plays, it operates on several levels and across several generations, so it’s a good idea to read he play in advance.

The play’s primary concern is the relationship between art and politics. Stoppard ponders whether it’s possible to have a free society without complete freedom of expression, however bizarre or banal that expression may be. A rock ’n’ roll band, The Plastic People of the Universe, played an important part in determining the outcome. You’ll hear their music, and that of other rock bands as well. Our friend Ted van Griethuysen has a leading role, even though he doesn’t rock.

We will discuss Rock ’n’ Roll on Monday, May 18 at Alfio’s. Dinner is at 6:30; the discussion begins at 7:30. Our guests will be Studio Theatre dramaturg Sarah Wallace and Maryland University professor Brian Richardson. Frank Pierce will moderate.