Interesting Times: The Play Summary & Key Insights

'Interesting Times: The Play', a stage adaptation of Terry Pratchett's Discworld novel of the same name, follows the misadventures of the hapless, well-meaning, and utterly unremarkable Cohen the Barbarian. While initially reluctant, Cohen is thrust into the tumultuous political landscape of the Agatean Empire, a land perpetually embroiled in civil war. This isn't a glorious conquest for him; rather, he's abducted by a rather inept group of assassins, the "Ghooligan Brotherhood," whose attempts to kill him are consistently thwarted by his sheer clumsiness and inexplicable luck.

The play’s central plot revolves around the ongoing conflict between the warring factions of the Agatean Empire, led by the scheming Lord Vetinari and the equally ruthless but far less competent General Carrot. The Empire's fragile peace is threatened by several key figures: the deeply suspicious and highly manipulative Imperial advisor, Lu-Tze, who constantly plays both sides against each other; and the surprisingly competent (albeit accidentally so) Cohen, whose sheer presence destabilizes the existing power dynamics. Cohen's companions include a perpetually confused but loyal band of similarly inept assassins and the surprisingly resourceful (and significantly more competent) Lu-Tze's assistant, who is perpetually attempting to manage the chaotic situations Lu-Tze creates.

The play highlights the absurdity of war and political maneuvering. Cohen’s accidental involvement in the Empire's affairs underscores the chaotic and often random nature of history and power. He becomes an unwitting pawn in the larger game, triggering significant events through his simple actions and remarkably poor judgment. Instead of being a strong leader, he is a figurehead, accidentally influencing events far beyond his comprehension. His unwavering belief in the inherent goodness of people, despite the overwhelming evidence to the contrary, offers a counterpoint to the cynicism of the surrounding political machinations.

The overarching themes revolve around the nature of power, the futility of war, and the unpredictable consequences of seemingly insignificant actions. Pratchett's satirical wit, particularly in depicting the incompetence of various power players, remains central to the story. The play mocks political intrigue, highlighting the hypocrisy and self-serving nature of those in power. Ultimately, 'Interesting Times: The Play' offers a comedic yet thought-provoking exploration of how easily chaos can erupt from seemingly mundane circumstances, and how even the most unremarkable individual can inadvertently shape history. The ending, similar to the novel, leaves the fate of the Agatean Empire, and Cohen himself, delightfully ambiguous.