Question

What is the intended meaning behind Kaufman’s use of understatement in relation to American drama?

Answer 1

British plays from the early twentieth century were full of stiff characters who interacted with one another in a formal manner, no matter the situation. This extremely formal behavior extended across all genres of British theater. American playwrights such as Kaufman parodied this stiff, unnatural behavior in their plays. In The Still Alarm, Kaufman creates extremely formal characters who speak calmly and politely despite the panic-inducing situation of being in a hotel that is burning down. The unnatural, strange behavior of these characters is meant to mock the absurdity of the extremely formal British theater.

Answer 2

Kaufman contributed to major New York revues, including The Band Wagon (which shared songs but not plot with the 1953 film version) with Arthur Schwartz and Howard Dietz. His often anthologized sketch "The Still Alarm" from the revue The Little Show lasted long after the show closed.