The Humans

Written by Stephen Karam
Awards:

  • Tony Award for Best Play (2016)

Synopsis
The Humans is a deeply intimate family drama set during a Thanksgiving dinner in a cramped New York City apartment. As three generations of the Blake family gather, tensions rise and unspoken fears bubble to the surface. Through its nuanced portrayal of family dynamics and universal anxieties, the play explores themes of love, loss, and resilience. The setting becomes a character in itself, with the creaking, aging apartment reflecting the fragility and complexity of the family’s relationships.

Themes and Analysis

  • Family and Generational Struggles: The play examines the connections and conflicts between generations, capturing the complexities of familial love and obligation.

  • Economic Anxiety: It portrays the financial struggles of middle-class America, addressing issues of insecurity, job loss, and economic uncertainty.

  • Mortality and Fear: The characters grapple with existential fears, from aging and illness to the unknowable future.

  • The Role of Space: The dilapidated apartment mirrors the emotional state of the family, becoming a symbolic reflection of their vulnerabilities.

Key Moments

  • The Thanksgiving Toasts: These moments of levity and tradition provide a stark contrast to the underlying tensions within the family.

  • Erik’s Secret: A revelation about Erik’s past mistakes adds emotional weight to the family’s conflicts, showcasing the ripple effects of personal choices.

  • Brigid’s Frustrations: The youngest member of the family, Brigid, embodies the struggles of younger generations trying to find stability in an unstable world.

  • The Final Scene: A haunting conclusion leaves audiences contemplating the emotional and psychological forces that shape family bonds.

Critical Reception
The Humans was widely praised for its rich characterisation, realistic dialogue, and deeply relatable storytelling. Critics highlighted Stephen Karam’s ability to weave humour and pathos into a powerful exploration of the human condition.

The New York Times called it “the best play of the year,” while The Guardian described it as “a quietly devastating masterpiece.”

Why It Resonates Today
The play’s exploration of economic insecurity, generational divides, and the enduring strength of family feels more relevant than ever. Its ability to capture the universal fears and hopes of modern life makes it a deeply resonant and emotionally impactful work.

Fun Facts

  • The Humans originated at the American Theatre Company in Chicago before transferring to Broadway, where it won four Tony Awards.

  • Stephen Karam was inspired by his own family gatherings and a desire to portray the complexities of middle-class life.

  • The play’s innovative sound design uses ambient noises like creaking floors and buzzing lights to heighten the atmosphere of unease.