THE STORY: YAM (the young American playwright) has requested an interview with FAM (the famous American playwright). The interview begins as YAM clucks appreciatively over all the evidences of FAM’s success—the paintings, the view, the luxury of his apartment. FAM endeavors to bring the conversation back to the subject at hand, the article for which YAM is gathering material. YAM responds—with a vengeance. As FAM swallows one glass of sherry after another, YAM proceeds to mount a vitriolic attack on the insidious commerciality of the Broadway theatre. FAM is enormously amused and fails to realize words are being put in his mouth. The interview ends, and YAM thanks his host for the “interview” which he intends to use as the basis for his article. FAM is struck—too late—by the realization of the trap into which his fatuousness has allowed him to be led. He turns ashen as his paintings frown, reel, tilt and crash down around him.
A short and eloquent example of the biting wit and incisive satire of this brilliant American playwright. An excellent “companion piece” for one of his more lengthy one-act plays.
Included in the collection
The American Dream, The Sandbox, The Death of Bessie Smith, Fam and Yam.
