In the attic of a soon-to-be-demolished house, two brothers meet after a 16-year estrangement to dispose of their deceased parents’ property. Victor is a policeman who sacrificed his education and a probable career as a scientist to care for his ruined, invalid father. His brother, Walter, is a wealthy surgeon who turned his back on family responsibilities to concentrate on medicine and personal success.
In an attempt to make amends, Walter helps Victor to try and get the best possible deal for their father’s possessions. Haggling over the price of furniture exposes a story of missed opportunities and seething resentments, raising the price of decisions both brothers have made in their lives.
Fraught, but cut through with humour, The Price is one of Arthur Miller’s finest plays.
