Idiot's Delight

“Idiot’s Delight” is a play written by Robert E. Sherwood, which premiered on Broadway in 1936. Set in a luxury hotel in the Italian Alps, the play unfolds against the backdrop of impending war, with tensions rising among the guests as international conflicts escalate. The central characters include a diverse group of travelers stranded at the hotel due to border closings, including a cynical American showgirl, a mysterious Russian arms dealer, a pacifist professor, and a wealthy munitions manufacturer. As they grapple with their own personal dilemmas and ideological differences, they find themselves drawn into discussions about war, peace, and the human condition. Sherwood’s play combines elements of comedy, drama, and political satire, exploring themes of isolation, disillusionment, and the absurdity of war. “Idiot’s Delight” received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1936 and remains a compelling and thought-provoking work that resonates with audiences to this day.