Tea and Sympathy is a 1953 stage play in three acts by Robert Anderson about a male private school student, Tom Lee, who faces accusations of homosexuality. A woman, Laura, who is married to an instructor, opposes the students' shaming of Lee and romantically pursues him so he can prove that he has a masculine character. The title refers to what someone in Laura's position was supposed to offer a boy such as Tom. Everett Evans of the Houston Chronicle called it "one of the first plays to tackle the then-taboo topic of sexual orientation and related prejudice." Evans stated that the play's final line, "Years from now, when you speak of this, and you will, be kind," is "one of the most quoted curtain lines in stage history".
Characters
Tom Lee – A student at a New Englandpreparatory school who is accused of being effeminate and is targeted after sunbathing with a male professor.
Bill Reynolds – The head of Tom Lee's dormitory house, Bill is hyper-masculine and in conflict with Tom. He prefers activities with the boys to spending time with his wife, Laura, from whom he is distant. Everett Evans of the Houston Chronicle wrote that Bill married Laura "apparently" because colleagues pressured him into doing so, and that "The play suggests Bill's persecution of Tom stems from doubts about his own masculinity."
Laura Reynolds – Bill's wife, Laura assists Tom and helps him during his troubles.
The play was first performed in London at the Comedy Theatre, now the Harold Pinter Theatre, under membership conditions, because of the ban imposed by the Lord Chamberlain. "The formation of The new Watergate Club in 1956 allowed plays previously banned under the Theatres Act 1843 to be performed, which allowed the theatre to host the UK premieres of Tea and Symphony..."
The play was presented Off-Broadway by the Keen Company at the Clurman Theater, from March 6, 2007 to April 14, 2007. Directed by Jonathan Silverstein the cast featured Heidi Armbruster, Dan McCabe and Craig Mathers.
Adaptations
The play was adapted into a 1956 film. In 1956 Bob Thomas of the Associated Press wrote that "many said could never be made into a movie."
Reception
In 2013, Everett Evans of the Houston Chronicle wrote that "Sixty years on, this once controversial play is a little dated, but a lot more timely, its potent moments outweighing its imperfections. When you speak of 'Tea and Sympathy', be kind."
