First Plays

Written while the author served as a soldier‑journalist, these five early plays capture the restless creativity sparked by wartime boredom. The writer treats the stage as a playground, turning idle evenings into lively rehearsals and letting humor clash with the absurdities of a world at war.

The collection opens with a delightfully absurd one‑act comedy that revels in wordplay and eccentric characters, followed by a romantic farce where a girl’s choice leads to unexpected consequences. A tender homecoming drama, a spirited domestic sketch performed by celebrated actresses of the day, and an unfinished operetta brimming with musical intrigue round out the set, each offering a different flavor of early twentieth‑century theatre.

Together they reveal a young playwright’s wit, his collaborative spirit, and the playful experimentation that would later define his more famous work—making this a fascinating listen for anyone curious about the origins of a literary legend.