Benefactors

Benefactors is a 1984 play by Michael Frayn. It is set in the 1960s and concerns an idealistic architect David and his wife Jane and their relationship with the cynical Colin and his wife Sheila. David is attempting to build some new homes to replace the slum housing of Basuto Road and is gradually forced by circumstances into building skyscrapers despite his initial aversion to these. This is set against the backdrop of 1960s new housing projects. Sheila becomes his secretary but it is unclear if she is helping him or the other way around. As the title of the play suggests it is about helping people and explores some of the difficulties inherent in this or in being helped.

Awards and nominations

Awards

• 1984 Evening Standard Award for Best Play
• 1984 Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Play
• 1984 Plays and Players London Theatre Critics Award for Best Play

Nominations

• 1986 Drama Desk Award for Best Play
• 1986 Tony Award for Best Play

References

• Frayn, Michael (1984). Benefactors: A Play in Two Acts (First edition ed.). London: Methuen. ISBN 0413541606. 

External links

• Benefactors at the Internet Broadway Database

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