Synopsis
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Pacing
- Moderate
- Mood
- Profound, spiritual, melancholic, hopeful, challenging, thought-provoking
Perestroika Plot Summary
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
The Continental Project: The Eskimos
Prior Walter, now a prophet, struggles with the Angel's command to go to Heaven and deliver a message to other angels. He feels pain from this divine burden. Belize, his friend, helps Prior with his medications and offers a steady presence amid the chaos. Meanwhile, Louis Ironson, Prior's ex-lover, feels guilt for abandoning Prior and struggles with his own moral failures, seeking comfort in books and philosophical talks. Joe Pitt, having left his wife Harper, lives with Louis, but their relationship has tension due to Joe's conservative values and Louis's liberal views. Harper Pitt, reeling from Joe's departure and mental health issues, still has vivid hallucinations, mainly of an Eskimo, which symbolizes her isolation.
Heaven, I'm in Heaven
Prior Walter, after a difficult journey, goes to Heaven, a desolate and bureaucratic place with ancient, tired angels. He learns that God left Heaven in 1906, leaving the angels in despair. The angels, upset by human progress, demand that Prior tell humanity to 'Stop Moving.' They believe human change caused God's departure and their suffering. Prior refuses. He argues for humanity's need for change, growth, and forward movement, even with suffering. He challenges their static view, saying life is defined by movement. His defiance is a key moment, as he chooses humanity's path over divine command.
The Book of the World
Roy Cohn, dying of AIDS in a hospital, continues his fight against Ethel Rosenberg, whose ghost haunts him. He refuses to confess or apologize for his past actions, especially his role in her execution. Belize, a nurse, secretly steals Roy's AZT for Prior, believing it is a necessary redistribution. Louis visits Roy, having a complex, morally unclear exchange where Roy tries to justify his life and influence Louis. Roy's last moments show his desperate wish for power and control, even as his body fails. Ethel Rosenberg eventually recites the Kaddish, the Jewish prayer for the dead, for him, an ironic act of closure and judgment, showing the lasting impact of his actions.
The End of the World Has Come and Gone
Harper Pitt, having left Joe and her hallucinatory world, travels to Salt Lake City, seeking a new start. She confronts her past and her disappointment with traditional family ideas. Her mind, once full of fantasies, starts to clear as she accepts a more grounded reality. She finds some peace and independence, recognizing her own strength. Her symbolic experiences in Antarctica represent her letting go of old burdens and facing an unknown future. She chooses self-reliance and emotional honesty, moving beyond her old life and its expectations.
In Vitro
Louis and Joe's attempt at a relationship fails due to their different beliefs and emotional needs. Louis's intellect and liberal guilt clash with Joe's conservative values and hidden homosexuality. Their arguments grow, showing their basic incompatibilities. Joe struggles with his identity and cannot reconcile his religious beliefs with his desires. Louis, though he cares for Joe, cannot bridge the gap. The relationship collapses, leaving both men hurt and more isolated. Their failure shows the broader societal divisions Kushner explores.
A Person with AIDS
Belize continues to care for Prior, offering physical and emotional support. He is practical and compassionate, handling Prior's illness and the supernatural world. He also acts as a moral judge, criticizing Louis's abandonment of Prior and challenging hypocrisy. Belize's theft of Roy Cohn's AZT for Prior shows his commitment to his friend and his belief in fair resource distribution, even if it means bending rules. He is a voice of reason and strength, showing resilience and loyalty in a painful world, proving to be an essential friend.
The Great Work Begins
Hannah Pitt, Joe's devout Mormon mother, changes significantly. Initially rigid, she softens, especially with Prior. She becomes involved in Prior's world, seeing his suffering and visions. Her faith is tested and grows as she deals with the supernatural events. She moves from strict dogma to a more compassionate understanding of faith and humanity. She becomes a caregiver for Prior, offering comfort and help, a big shift from her initial disapproval of his lifestyle. Her journey shows empathy winning over prejudice.
Visitation
The Angel returns to Prior, urging him again to accept his prophetic role and deliver the message 'Stop Moving.' Prior stands firm in his refusal. He has seen the suffering caused by stagnation and the beauty of human progress, even with its flaws. He speaks strongly for humanity's ability to change, invent, and handle complex moral issues. He accepts his mortality and humanity, choosing to live a full life, however short, rather than give in to Heaven's static demands. This confrontation solidifies Prior's independence and his commitment to the human condition, rejecting the divine burden for a more earthly existence.
Millennium Approaches, Part Two
Louis, deeply sorry for his abandonment, seeks Prior's forgiveness. Their reconciliation is painful but leads to a renewed, though changed, bond. They do not resume a romantic relationship, but a deep friendship and mutual respect are re-established. Along with Belize and Hannah, they form an unconventional, chosen family, united by their shared experiences and commitment to caring for one another. This new group symbolizes a rejection of traditional family structures and an embrace of community built through love, empathy, and shared struggle. They navigate Prior's illness and their lives' challenges together, finding strength in their connection.
Perestroika
Four years later, in 1990, Prior, Louis, Belize, and Hannah gather at the Bethesda Fountain in Central Park. Prior, though still living with AIDS, has defied expectations and is in remission. The group reflects on their changes and the world. Prior gives a moving monologue, acknowledging the world's ongoing struggles and suffering, but also emphasizing human resilience and the possibility of healing and progress. He speaks of 'the great work' that continues, suggesting humanity's task is to keep moving forward, embrace change, and care for one another. The play ends with cautious optimism, showing the lasting power of community and hope in adversity.
Principal Figures
Prior Walter
Protagonist
The reluctant prophet battling AIDS and divine commands.
Prior is a gay man living with AIDS, chosen by an Angel to be a prophet. In 'Perestroika,' he grapples with the immense physical pain of his illness and the spiritual burden of his divine calling. He is witty, sarcastic, and deeply empathetic, but also prone to moments of despair and anger. His journey is one of profound internal conflict, torn between the celestial demands and his inherent humanity. He ultimately chooses humanity, advocating for change and movement over the static ideals of the angels.
Relationships: Louis Ironson (Ex-lover, friend); Belize (Best friend, caregiver); The Angel (Divine messenger/antagonist); Hannah Pitt (Caregiver, surrogate mother figure)
Louis Ironson
Supporting
Prior's guilt-ridden ex-lover seeking redemption.
Louis is a Jewish, liberal intellectual consumed by guilt over abandoning Prior at the onset of his illness. He is highly articulate and prone to philosophical monologues, often using words to distance himself from emotional discomfort. He struggles with his moral compass, torn between his intellectual ideals and his personal failings. His relationship with Joe Pitt further exposes his internal conflicts and the gap between his theories and his actions. He ultimately seeks Prior's forgiveness and finds a place within a new, unconventional family.
Relationships: Prior Walter (Ex-lover, friend); Joe Pitt (Lover (briefly)); Belize (Friend, moral critic)
Belize
Supporting
Prior's loyal friend, nurse, and moral compass.
Belize is a black, gay former drag queen and registered nurse, Prior's closest friend and confidant. He is pragmatic, fiercely loyal, and possesses a sharp wit and unwavering moral clarity. He provides both physical and emotional care for Prior, navigating the complexities of his illness and his prophetic experiences. Belize is unafraid to challenge Louis's hypocrisy and Roy Cohn's wickedness, serving as a grounding force and a voice of reason in the play. He embodies compassion, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to justice.
Relationships: Prior Walter (Best friend, caregiver); Louis Ironson (Friend, moral critic); Roy Cohn (Antagonist (as his nurse))
Joe Pitt
Supporting
A closeted Mormon Republican grappling with his identity.
Joe is a conservative Mormon Republican law clerk who has left his wife, Harper, and is attempting to come to terms with his homosexuality. He is deeply conflicted, torn between his religious upbringing, his political ideals, and his sexual desires. His relationship with Louis exposes his struggles with self-acceptance and his inability to fully embrace his true self. He represents the societal pressures and internal conflicts faced by many during the AIDS crisis, particularly those from conservative backgrounds. His journey is one of painful self-discovery and ultimate disillusionment.
Relationships: Harper Pitt (Wife (estranged)); Louis Ironson (Lover (briefly)); Hannah Pitt (Mother); Roy Cohn (Mentor/employer)
Harper Pitt
Supporting
Joe's Valium-addicted wife seeking escape through hallucination.
Harper is Joe's wife, a Valium-addicted woman who experiences vivid hallucinations as an escape from her painful reality and Joe's emotional distance. In 'Perestroika,' she continues her journey of self-discovery, eventually leaving Joe and her hallucinatory world behind. She is intelligent, sensitive, and deeply wounded, but ultimately possesses a strong will to survive and forge her own path. Her travels to Salt Lake City and her symbolic journey to Antarctica represent her shedding of old burdens and her embrace of independence.
Relationships: Joe Pitt (Husband (estranged)); The Eskimo (Hallucinatory companion)
Hannah Pitt
Supporting
Joe's devout Mormon mother, whose faith is challenged.
Hannah is Joe's devout, traditional Mormon mother who moves from Salt Lake City to New York to care for Joe. Initially rigid, judgmental, and deeply conservative, she undergoes a significant transformation throughout 'Perestroika.' Her faith is challenged and expanded as she encounters Prior and witnesses the supernatural events. She evolves into a compassionate and open-minded caregiver, demonstrating a profound capacity for empathy and acceptance, ultimately becoming a vital member of Prior's chosen family.
Relationships: Joe Pitt (Son); Prior Walter (Caregiver/surrogate mother figure)
Roy Cohn
Antagonist
The ruthless, closeted McCarthy-era lawyer dying of AIDS.
Roy Cohn is a real-life historical figure, a closeted, ruthless McCarthy-era lawyer who is dying of AIDS. He is a master manipulator, obsessed with power, and utterly unapologetic for his unethical and cruel actions. In 'Perestroika,' his physical deterioration is contrasted with his unyielding will and his continued mental battles with the ghost of Ethel Rosenberg. He represents the corrupting influence of unchecked power and the hypocrisy of those who preach morality while living a lie. His death is a symbolic end of an era of political ruthlessness.
Relationships: Ethel Rosenberg (Spectral antagonist/victim); Joe Pitt (Protégé); Belize (Nurse/moral opponent)
The Angel
Antagonist
The divine messenger of a God-abandoned Heaven.
The Angel is a magnificent, terrifying, and ultimately pathetic celestial being who has chosen Prior as her prophet. She is a messenger from a Heaven abandoned by God in 1906, leaving the angels in a state of stasis and despair. Her message to humanity is 'Stop Moving,' reflecting the angels' fear of change and their longing for a static, unchanging world. She embodies the rigidity of dogma and the danger of resisting progress, serving as a foil to Prior's embrace of human evolution.
Relationships: Prior Walter (Prophet/object of divine command)
Themes & Insights
The Necessity of Change and Progress
A central theme is the human need for change, movement, and progress, contrasting with the angels' demand for stagnation. Kushner argues that evolution, even with its pain, is basic to life and growth. Prior's rejection of the angelic command 'Stop Moving' affirms humanity's ability to adapt, invent, and create a better future. The characters' personal journeys, marked by deep changes, reflect this larger theme, suggesting that embracing change is vital for survival and spiritual development.
“We won't. We are not angels. We do not want to be angels. We are human. We are good. Good at changing. Frightening. But good.”
The Formation of Chosen Families and Community
Kushner explores the idea that family is more than biological ties, stressing the importance of creating supportive communities based on love, empathy, and shared struggle. The unconventional 'family' of Prior, Louis, Belize, and Hannah at the play's end shows this. In a time of crisis (the AIDS epidemic), traditional structures often fail, forcing people to form new bonds for survival and emotional support. This theme highlights human connection and the strength found in collective care, suggesting that compassion and mutual aid are vital for navigating suffering and building a more just world.
“The world only spins forward. We will be citizens. The time has come. The great work begins.”
Redemption and Forgiveness
Many characters deal with past mistakes and the chance for redemption. Louis's guilt over abandoning Prior, and his later efforts to make amends, are central to this theme. While some characters, like Roy Cohn, remain unrepentant, others, like Hannah Pitt and Louis, change morally. The play suggests that forgiveness, for oneself and others, is a difficult but necessary step toward healing and moving forward. It explores moral accountability and the capacity for change, even in the face of deep flaws.
“You are a wonder, a wonder. You are a miracle. I forgive you. I forgive you.”
Spirituality and Doubt
'Perestroika' examines questions of faith, God, and the divine, especially in a post-God world. The angels' despair over God's abandonment makes characters rethink traditional religious ideas. Prior's visions challenge common spiritual understanding, while Hannah's Mormon faith is both tested and expanded. The play suggests that spirituality can be found not just in established religions, but also in human connection, empathy, and the ongoing 'great work' of living. It embraces a complex, evolving view of the sacred.
“God has forsaken us. God's Abandonment. The Great Migration. The Great Work.”
The Personal is Political
The play skillfully links personal struggles with larger political and social issues of the 1980s. The AIDS epidemic, homophobia, conservative politics, and the legacy of figures like Roy Cohn are not just background but are key to the characters' experiences. Joe Pitt's hidden homosexuality and conservative views, Roy Cohn's ruthless pursuit of power, and Prior's battle with AIDS are all political. Kushner argues that private lives are shaped by public forces, and personal choices have broader societal implications, making the intimate political.
“History is a thing of blood and tears, and sometimes a thing of laughter. Mostly tears.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
Angelic Visitation/Prophecy
Prior Walter's encounters with the Angel and his role as a reluctant prophet.
The angelic visitations serve as a central plot device, driving Prior's narrative and introducing the play's fantastical elements. The Angel's command for Prior to deliver the message 'Stop Moving' creates the primary conflict between divine will and human agency. This device allows Kushner to explore profound theological and philosophical questions about humanity's place in the universe, the nature of God, and the purpose of existence. It also provides a powerful metaphor for the overwhelming and often incomprehensible forces that individuals face, particularly during times of crisis like the AIDS epidemic.
Hallucinations and Dreams
Harper Pitt's vivid, symbolic inner world.
Harper's hallucinations, particularly her recurring encounters with the Eskimo and her travels to Antarctica, serve as a significant plot device. They offer a window into her psychological state, her desire for escape, and her struggle with reality. These surreal sequences allow Kushner to explore themes of mental illness, escapism, and the subjective nature of perception. As Harper's mental health improves and she embraces independence, her hallucinations gradually recede, symbolizing her grounding in reality and her emotional healing. They also provide moments of poetic imagery and emotional depth.
The Ghost of Ethel Rosenberg
Roy Cohn's spectral tormentor and symbol of justice.
The ghost of Ethel Rosenberg haunting Roy Cohn is a potent plot device connecting the personal to the political. Ethel represents the historical consequences of Roy's actions and serves as his ultimate, inescapable judge. Her presence underscores the themes of justice, accountability, and the long-lasting impact of political corruption. Her recitation of the Kaddish over Roy's dying body is a powerful moment of ironic grace and judgment, symbolizing a form of spiritual reckoning for his unrepentant life. This device allows the play to directly engage with historical injustice.
The Bethesda Fountain
A symbolic meeting place for the characters in the epilogue.
The Bethesda Fountain in Central Park serves as a powerful symbolic location for the play's epilogue. Traditionally a place of healing and renewal (the Angel of Bethesda is said to stir the waters for healing), it represents the hope for a new beginning and the possibility of collective healing. The gathering of the chosen family there signifies their survival, their resilience, and their commitment to a future built on community and care. It acts as a visual metaphor for the 'great work' that continues, emphasizing themes of progress, hope, and the enduring human spirit in the face of adversity.
Quiz
10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.
Question 1
What is the primary genre associated with Tony Kushner's 'Perestroika'?
- Science Fiction
- Historical Drama
- Fantasy/Spirituality
- Mystery
Show answer
C. Fantasy/Spirituality 'Perestroika' is described as belonging to the Fantasy and Spirituality genres.
Question 2
'Perestroika' is the second half of which larger work?
- The Glass Menagerie
- Angels in America
- A Streetcar Named Desire
- Death of a Salesman
Show answer
B. Angels in America 'Perestroika' is the second half of Tony Kushner's Pulitzer Prize-winning epic, 'Angels in America'.
Question 3
What award did the larger work, of which 'Perestroika' is a part, win?
- The Nobel Prize in Literature
- A Tony Award
- The Pulitzer Prize
- The Olivier Award
Show answer
C. The Pulitzer Prize The larger work, 'Angels in America', won the Pulitzer Prize.
Question 4
In 'Perestroika', the characters transition from which decade to another?
- 1970s to 1980s
- 1990s to 2000s
- 1980s to 1990s
- 1960s to 1970s
Show answer
C. 1980s to 1990s The play steers characters from the 'opportunistic eighties' to a new sense of community in the 'nineties'.
Question 5
What is the name of the first half of the epic work that 'Perestroika' concludes?
- The Second Coming
- Millennium Approaches
- The New Millennium
- Approaching Millennium
Show answer
B. Millennium Approaches 'Millennium Approaches' is the first half of Tony Kushner's epic 'Angels in America', with 'Perestroika' being the second half.
Question 6
The description suggests a shift in the characters' journey from opportunism to what?
- Isolation
- Resignation
- Apathy
- Community
Show answer
D. Community The text states that 'Perestroika' steers characters 'to a new sense of community'.
Question 7
Which of the following themes is NOT explicitly mentioned in the provided description of 'Perestroika'?
- Spirituality
- The passage of time
- Political upheaval
- Community building
Show answer
C. Political upheaval While the play deals with a transition in time and a move towards community, and is in the fantasy/spirituality genre, explicit mention of 'political upheaval' as a theme is absent from the provided text.
Question 8
The term 'Perestroika' itself, historically, refers to a period of political and economic reforms in which country?
- China
- Soviet Union
- Cuba
- North Korea
Show answer
B. Soviet Union The term 'Perestroika' is famously associated with Mikhail Gorbachev's reforms in the Soviet Union during the late 1980s.
Question 9
Considering the context of the 'eighties' and 'nineties' mentioned, what significant global event might the title 'Perestroika' subtly allude to, beyond the play's narrative?
- The end of the Cold War
- The rise of the internet
- The fall of the Berlin Wall
- The Gulf War
Show answer
A. The end of the Cold War The term 'Perestroika' and the transition from the 80s to the 90s strongly evoke the period of significant geopolitical change, including the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War, which were deeply intertwined with Gorbachev's reforms.
Question 10
If 'Millennium Approaches' deals with the end of an era, what might 'Perestroika' metaphorically represent in the context of spiritual or societal transformation?
- A complete collapse
- A necessary restructuring or rebuilding
- A return to the past
- Stagnation and decay
Show answer
B. A necessary restructuring or rebuilding Given the historical meaning of 'Perestroika' as restructuring and the play's movement towards community, it suggests a process of rebuilding and reordering after a period of change or crisis, rather than collapse or stagnation.
Perestroika FAQ
What is Perestroika about?
Perestroika is the second part of Tony Kushner's "Angels in America." It continues the story of the characters introduced in "Millennium Approaches," exploring their journeys from the 1980s into the 1990s and their search for community and meaning.
How does Perestroika relate to Millennium Approaches?
Perestroika is the direct continuation of "Millennium Approaches," the first part of "Angels in America." It picks up the narrative threads and character arcs established in the first play and brings them to a resolution.
What are the main themes in Perestroika?
Key themes in Perestroika include the search for community, the nature of faith and spirituality, political and social change, love, loss, and the possibility of hope and healing in a fractured world.
Who are the main characters in Perestroika?
The central characters include Prior Walter, Louis Ironson, Joe Pitt, Harper Pitt, Belize, and Roy Cohn. The play also features the Angel, who plays a significant role in shaping their destinies.
What is the significance of the title 'Perestroika'?
The title 'Perestroika' refers to the Soviet policy of restructuring and openness in the late 1980s. In the play, it symbolizes a broader societal and personal transformation and a move towards change and rebuilding.
What is the role of spirituality in Perestroika?
Spirituality is a major element, explored through Prior's encounters with the Angel, the characters' grappling with faith, and their search for transcendent meaning amidst personal and societal turmoil.
How does Perestroika address the AIDS crisis?
While not solely focused on it, the AIDS crisis is an underlying backdrop that informs the characters' struggles with mortality, loss, and the search for connection and support in a time of fear and isolation.
What is the overall message or takeaway from Perestroika?
Perestroika suggests that even in the face of immense suffering and societal division, human connection, love, and a willingness to embrace change can lead to a new beginning and a sense of hope.
Is Perestroika a standalone play or does it need Millennium Approaches to be understood?
While Perestroika can be appreciated on its own, it is the second half of a larger epic. Understanding the events and character development from "Millennium Approaches" is crucial for a complete and in-depth experience of Perestroika.
What is the fantasy element in Perestroika?
The fantasy elements include the literal appearance of an Angel, prophetic dreams, and supernatural interventions that influence the characters' lives and the unfolding narrative.
About the author
Tony Kushner is an American playwright and screenwriter known for his significant contributions to contemporary theater. He is best known for his two-part play "Angels in America," which includes "Millennium Approaches" and "Perestroika," exploring themes of politics, identity, and the AIDS crisis. Kushner's work has received numerous awards, including the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
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