Show & Tell Posting #1 - Third and Oak: The Pool Hall by Marsha Norman

     Third and Oak: The Pool Hall is written by Marsha Norman. It was first published in 1985 by Dramatists Play Service. The first production of this play in one act took place in the Actor's Theatre of Louisville. A film was later produced for Turner Classic Movies by Gladys Nederlander, starring James Earl Jones and Mario Van Peebles. This play can be found as an electronic edition or in Collected Plays, published by Smith and Kraus.
    Third and Oak: The Pool Hall is a second part to Third and Oak: The Laundromat, but it also functions on its own. The play takes place in a "small and seedy" pool hall at three in the morning. The owner, Willie, is wanting to put the hall up for sale soon. A young husband and disk jockey, Shooter, who is also the son of the owner's best friend, comes into the hall for a visit. In the time to pass, much more serious conversation takes place, including talk of family, loyalty matters, secrets, happiness, and friendship. 
     One dramaturgical choice that I found significant is the integration of the game of pool into their conversation. From nearly the first moment Shooter walks into the hall, he tries to get a round of pool started. Time after time, Willie shuts it down before he can even begin. As an example, Shooter's first attempt involved opening his cue case. In the next line, Willie closes the cue case and tells Shooter to leave the hall. Shooter tries to get Willie to play a game with him, but he refuses. As the play progresses, Willie allows Shooter to take a few shots on his own. Eventually Willie proceeds to lines up the balls for him, gives him pointers, and, by the end of the play, he actually asks Shooter, "So are we gonna play or not?" The progression of the pool game parallels the manner of their conversation. Willie initially wants no part in it, then he begins to share information with Shooter, and eventually opens up fully and they enjoy the bond they share through Shooter's father.
     Another interesting choice Norman chose is the inclusion of the conversation regarding what Shooter likes to do. He says the only thing he enjoys is playing pool, although according to Willie, "pool just ain't his game." This conversation puts Shooter into a panic when he realizes there really isn't anything else he likes to do, the first vulnerability the reader has ever really seen from him in the course of the play. The vulnerability then leads into anger and defensiveness. The point when Shooter starts to show his true feelings seems to be a turning point within the play between Shooter and Willie. Following this, Willie starts to feel a bit more sympathy for Shooter, encourages him to set up a round of pool to play and gives him tips. Willie steps up to be more of a father figure than before, and "perhaps begins to feel a little of Shooter's pain."