The Substance of Fire: A Screenplay

A publishing house in financial trouble risks the business in order uphold their traditional standards of high-quality scholarly works

This two-act play deals with publishing, book collecting, social responsibility, aging, and how the mix may affect family relationships. The patriarch of Geldhart Books is committed to publishing classics, or works of social significance, especially works on the Holocaust, and the business is in danger of failing. A takeover by Geldhart's children does not reverse the course of the house. Baitz uses a lot of humor to explore some complex situations. This is another in a series of excellent productions from L.A. Theatre Works, this time in association with the Arena Stage Theatre Company and Smithsonian Associates, and performed by Ron Rifkin, Shirley Knight, and others, before a live audience for broadcast on Voice of America. The acting, sound effects, packaging, and overall engineering are all superb. Very highly recommended for adult collections. Cliff Glaviano, Bowling Green State Univ. Libs., OH
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