This Is Our Youth: A Play

This Is Our Youth: A Play by Lonergan, Kenneth. paperback edition. ISBN: 9781468311075.

Kenneth Lonergan’s breakout drama is a masterclass in character-driven storytelling, blending sharp dialogue with emotional depth. This raw, darkly funny portrait of adolescence adrift in the shadow of privilege and disillusionment is as timely today as it was when first performed. Set in a cluttered Upper West Side apartment in 1982, This Is Our Youth follows three young adults―Dennis, Warren, and Jessica―as they stumble through a weekend of stolen money, broken relationships, and existential dread. With Reagan-era materialism looming in the background, the play captures the confusion, vulnerability, and reckless bravado of youth on the cusp of adulthood. Originally staged off-Broadway and later revived on Broadway with stars like Mark Ruffalo, the play remains a touchstone for actors and audiences alike―an enduring exploration of identity, intimacy, and the painful process of growing up.