**Unman, Wittering and Zigo**
**Definition:**
*Unman, Wittering and Zigo* is a British play written by Giles Cooper in 1958. It is a psychological thriller set in a boys’ boarding school, exploring themes of authority, rebellion, and the dark undercurrents of adolescent behavior.
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# Unman, Wittering and Zigo
*Unman, Wittering and Zigo* is a notable British play by Giles Cooper, first performed in 1958. The work is a psychological thriller that delves into the dynamics of power, control, and violence within the microcosm of a boys’ boarding school. The play is recognized for its intense atmosphere, complex characters, and exploration of moral ambiguity, making it a significant contribution to mid-20th-century British drama.
## Background and Author
Giles Cooper (1918–1966) was a British playwright and radio dramatist known for his sharp dialogue and psychological insight. Cooper’s career spanned radio, stage, and television, and he was particularly noted for his ability to create suspenseful narratives that probe human nature and social structures. *Unman, Wittering and Zigo* is among his most acclaimed works, reflecting his interest in the psychological tensions that arise in closed communities.
The play was first broadcast on BBC radio in 1958 before being adapted for the stage. Its success led to various productions and a film adaptation in 1971. The title itself, *Unman, Wittering and Zigo*, refers to a nonsensical phrase used by the schoolboys in the play, symbolizing the coded language and secretive culture within the school.
## Plot Summary
The narrative centers on a newly appointed schoolmaster, John Ebony, who takes over a class at a boys’ boarding school following the mysterious death of his predecessor, Mr. Wittering. Ebony quickly discovers that the class is dominated by a group of boys who exert a sinister control over their peers and the classroom environment.
As Ebony attempts to assert his authority, he encounters resistance and subtle threats from the students, who appear to be involved in the circumstances surrounding Wittering’s death. The play unfolds as a psychological battle between Ebony and the boys, revealing layers of manipulation, intimidation, and violence.
The climax reveals the extent of the boys’ power and the moral compromises Ebony must confront. The play ends on an ambiguous note, leaving the audience to question the nature of authority and the consequences of unchecked power.
## Characters
– **John Ebony**: The protagonist and new schoolmaster. He is idealistic but increasingly challenged by the class’s hostility and secrets.
– **Mr. Wittering**: The previous teacher whose death is central to the plot. Though deceased, his presence looms over the narrative.
– **Unman, Zigo, and other boys**: Members of the class who collectively maintain control through intimidation and secret codes. Their individual personalities are less defined than their group identity, emphasizing the collective menace.
## Themes
### Authority and Power
The play examines the fragile nature of authority within institutional settings. Ebony’s struggle to impose discipline highlights the challenges faced by those in power when confronted with subversion and rebellion. The boys’ control over the classroom symbolizes a reversal of traditional power dynamics.
### Rebellion and Conformity
The students’ behavior reflects a complex interplay between rebellion against adult authority and conformity to their own internal codes. The play suggests that rebellion can become a form of tyranny when it suppresses dissent within the group.
### Violence and Morality
Violence, both physical and psychological, permeates the play. The ambiguous circumstances of Wittering’s death and the boys’ intimidation tactics raise questions about moral responsibility and the consequences of silence and complicity.
### Education and Socialization
Set in a boarding school, the play critiques the educational system and its role in shaping behavior. It explores how institutional environments can foster conformity, secrecy, and the suppression of individuality.
## Style and Structure
*Unman, Wittering and Zigo* is structured as a tightly woven psychological thriller. The dialogue is sharp and often charged with underlying menace. The play’s tension builds gradually, relying on atmosphere and character interaction rather than overt action.
The use of a confined setting—a single classroom—intensifies the claustrophobic mood. The play’s language includes coded phrases and slang used by the boys, which adds to the sense of an insular, secretive world.
## Reception and Legacy
Upon its release, *Unman, Wittering and Zigo* was praised for its originality and psychological depth. Critics noted its effective portrayal of adolescent psychology and the unsettling depiction of institutional power dynamics.
The play has been studied in academic contexts for its themes and dramatic techniques. It remains a significant work in British theatre, often included in discussions of post-war drama and psychological thrillers.
## Adaptations
### Film Adaptation (1971)
The play was adapted into a film directed by John Mackenzie in 1971. The film retained the core themes and setting but expanded the narrative to include more visual elements. It starred David Hemmings as John Ebony and was noted for its atmospheric tension and faithful representation of the play’s psychological complexity.
### Radio and Television
Originally a radio play, *Unman, Wittering and Zigo* has been broadcast multiple times on BBC radio. It has also been adapted for television, though these versions are less well-known than the stage and film productions.
## Influence and Cultural Impact
*Unman, Wittering and Zigo* influenced later works exploring similar themes of authority and adolescent rebellion. Its portrayal of a closed, hierarchical community with hidden violence has resonated in various cultural contexts, including literature and film.
The play’s title phrase has entered British cultural consciousness as a symbol of cryptic or secretive language, reflecting the play’s focus on coded communication and group identity.
## Conclusion
*Unman, Wittering and Zigo* remains a compelling exploration of power, control, and morality within the microcosm of a boys’ boarding school. Giles Cooper’s incisive writing and the play’s psychological intensity continue to engage audiences and scholars alike, securing its place in the canon of British drama.
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**Meta Description:**
*Unman, Wittering and Zigo* is a 1958 British psychological thriller by Giles Cooper, set in a boys’ boarding school and exploring themes of authority, rebellion, and violence. The play remains a significant work in mid-20th-century British theatre.