The one-act play stands apart as a distinct art form with some well known writers providing specialist material, among them Bernard Shaw, Tom Stoppard, Harold Pinter, Caryl Churchill. Alan Ayckbourn, Edward Albee and Tennesee Williams. There are also lesser-known writers with plenty of material to offer, yet sourcing one-act plays to perform is notoriously hard. This companion is the first book to survey the work of over 250 playwrights in an illuminating A-Z guide. Multiple styles, nationalities and periods are covered, offering a treasure trove of compelling moments of theatre waiting to be discovered. Guidance on performing and staging one-act plays is also covered as well as essential contact information and where to apply for performance rights. A chapter introducing the history of the one-act play rounds off the title as a definitive guide.

In 1848 Nathaniel Hawthorne is married and living in Salem, Massachusetts, a stone's throw from where the alleged witches were hanged in 1692. He is burdened with guilt over his ancestor's involvement in their trial, and bored with the stultifying work in the Custom House. Unable to write anything of significance, he is bitter and depressed. Susan Pryor, a young maid in a wealthy Salem household, aspires to become more than just a maid. Though she finds much pleasure in her fellow maid, with whom she sleeps, and in preparing for fine dinners and parties, she and her friend are still just maids and fair game for the two older sons. She longs to escape, to be more than just a servant. Susan and Hawthorne, the two unhappy Salem residents, meet by chance on Gallows Hill. A spark ignites-and smolders. In telling her story, Susan becomes more determined to escape her situation and inspire the brooding and mysterious Hawthorne. A Rose on Gallows Hill pictures the life of this enchanting maid in the year before Hawthorne begins writing his masterpiece, The Scarlet Letter. A Rose on Gallows Hill pictures the life of this beautiful maid as she enchants the man who will shortly begin writing his masterpiece, The Scarlet Letter.

The author shares her perspective on such topics as the 2000 election, present-day civil rights activists, and the relationship between the United States and Canada.