Heroes of the Fourth Turning

Written by Will Arbery
Awards:

  • Obie Award for Playwriting (2020)

  • Pulitzer Prize Finalist for Drama (2020)

Synopsis
Heroes of the Fourth Turning is a provocative and deeply philosophical play set at a late-night gathering of conservative Catholic friends in rural Wyoming. Days after a controversial far-right rally, the group reunites to celebrate the inauguration of their former professor as the new president of a small Catholic college. As the night unfolds, their discussions about politics, faith, and morality become increasingly intense, revealing the ideological and emotional fractures within their group. The play offers a rare glimpse into the complexities of conservative thought while grappling with themes of identity, legacy, and the search for truth.

Themes and Analysis

  • Faith and Ideology: The play explores the intersection of religion and politics, examining how deeply held beliefs shape personal and collective identities.

  • Generational Conflict: The characters’ debates highlight tensions between tradition and progress, reflecting broader cultural divides.

  • Moral Ambiguity: Arbery presents his characters with empathy and complexity, challenging audiences to engage with perspectives they may find unfamiliar or uncomfortable.

  • The Search for Purpose: Each character’s journey reflects a broader existential struggle to find meaning in a fractured and rapidly changing world.

Key Moments

  • The Professor’s Speech: A heartfelt monologue from the new college president provides insight into her vision for education and faith, setting the tone for the night’s discussions.

  • The Debates: Heated arguments about contemporary issues, from abortion to environmentalism, reveal the characters’ inner conflicts and ideological differences.

  • Emily’s Pain: The physical and emotional suffering of Emily, one of the characters, underscores the human cost of rigid ideological frameworks.

  • The Climactic Revelation: A shocking confession disrupts the gathering, forcing the group to confront their own contradictions and limitations.

Critical Reception
Heroes of the Fourth Turning was widely acclaimed for its nuanced portrayal of conservative America and its willingness to tackle challenging and divisive topics. Critics praised Will Arbery for his empathetic writing and ability to capture the complexity of his characters’ beliefs.

The New York Times described it as “a work of singular vision and urgent storytelling,” while The Guardian called it “a profound and unsettling drama that speaks to the heart of America’s cultural divide.”

Why It Resonates Today
In a polarized political climate, Heroes of the Fourth Turning offers a rare and thought-provoking exploration of conservative ideologies. Its willingness to engage with difficult conversations makes it a vital piece of contemporary theatre.

Fun Facts

  • Will Arbery drew inspiration from his own upbringing in a conservative Catholic community and his parents’ work as professors.

  • The play’s title references William Strauss and Neil Howe’s theory of generational cycles, which predicts major societal upheavals every 80 years.

  • Heroes of the Fourth Turning premiered at Playwrights Horizons in New York, earning critical acclaim and sparking intense discussions among audiences.