Synopsis
Sophistry
Published by Dramatists Play Service
5 Male 3 Female
Philosophy professor Whitey McCoy is accused of seducing a male student, Jack Kahn. Both Whitey and Jack tell the story, each from their conflicting memories, leaving everybody in doubt as to what is true
This alleged sexual harassment story is mixed with slices of student life as everybody gossips, takes sides, and eventually forgets all about Whitey and Jack. The students are too busy drinking, smoking pot, and trying to sort out their romantic longings and sexual obsessions
While they try to come-of-age within the intimate hotbed setting of a contemporary college campus, with all of its confused trials, anxious tribulations, pressures, compromises, and politically incorrect dangers
An elite liberal arts college in New England reels when a beloved, eccentric professor is charged with sexually harassing a disturbed male student
" a light comedy with dark undertones about everyday college life in the 1990s Mr Sherman's voice is too fresh to be caged into standard, hand-me-down dramaturgy" ~ NY Times
" talent and promise are apparent in [Sherman's] Sophistry. The perceptiveness, the sharp ear for the comedy in everyday speech, the willingness to tackle rough subjects are all present in this play Sherman's talent and intelligence inspire hope" ~ NY Daily News