Waiting for Lefty

Waiting for Lefty Summary | Scene 1 Summary

The play opens with the appearance of a large stage. Apparently, only a few people occupy the space. From among this group on the stage many unseen emotions are stirring; emotions not apparent to the audience at first sight. It is clear that their hardships are substantial. Then, Harry Fatts arrives at center stage. It becomes obvious that this man, with his swinish appearance, has made a personal contribution to the misfortunes that have befallen the other men.

Harry Fatts stands in front of six of the men who are sitting in a semi circle. He begins to address the audience. It becomes obvious that Harry Fatts is devoid of any of the emotions that permeate the actors on stage. He appears to be well fed and openly secure about his circumstances and his position in this union as the leader. The presence of his gunman, who fondles a toothpick in his mouth and exudes an air of arrogance, adds to Harry Fatts' swine-like demeanor.

A strike is at hand, and it would not be in Fatts' best interest. He intends to make sure that the union members' need to improve their lives does not interfere with the life he has come to enjoy. Suddenly, a voice calls out from the audience, "Where's Lefty!" The rest of the members join in together, "Yeah, where's Lefty! Where's Lefty!!!!!!"

Nobody knows where he is. One of the seated men, Joe, steps to the front. He doesn't know where Lefty is either, but he knows Lefty didn't run out on the men. He also knows it's time to take action. He begins to tell the story of what happened when he came home the other day.