Rada: A Drama of War in One Act

Name: Rada: A Drama of War in One Act
Author: Alfred Noyes

By Alfred Noyes

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History - Warfare Plays/Films/Dramas

About This Book

The one-act drama is set in an occupied Balkan village on Christmas Eve and centers on a widow, her daughter, an ex-schoolmaster, and two occupying soldiers billeted in the house. Tensions between survival and compassion surface as the soldiers drink, boast of violence, and menace the household while the woman tries to protect her child and manipulate their greed with feigned treasure and a larder of food. Religious imagery and stark civilian suffering frame moral collisions between brutality and maternal courage, exposing how war distorts ordinary rituals and human decency.

About the Author

Alfred Noyes

Alfred Noyes was an English poet and playwright, known for his lyrical style and vivid imagery. Born in 1880, he gained prominence in the early 20th century with works that often explored themes of nature, love, and the human experience. His notable poem "The Highwayman" remains a classic of English literature, celebrated for its romantic narrative and rhythmic quality. Noyes also contributed significantly to the genre of children's literature, as seen in his work "A Tale of Old Japan." Throughout his career, he published numerous volumes of poetry, including "Collected Poems" and "The Flower of Old Japan, and Other Poems," showcasing his versatility and depth as a writer.