George, a professor at a small college, and his wife, Martha, have just returned home, drunk from a Saturday night party. Martha announces that she has invited a young couple—an opportunistic new professor at the college and his shatteringly naïve new bride—to stop by for a nightcap. When they arrive the charade begins. The drinks flow and suddenly inhibitions melt. Underneath the edgy banter lurks an undercurrent of tragedy and despair, and a secret that comes to light before the end. This drama won the 1963 Tony Award for Best Play.