Yellow Jack (play)

Yellow Jack Play 1934

Yellow Jack is a historical drama that chronicles the efforts of the U.S. Army Yellow Fever Commission, led by Major Walter Reed, to discover the cause and mode of transmission of yellow fever in Havana, Cuba during the early 1900s. The play, which blends elements of heroism, sacrifice, and scientific inquiry, highlights the Commission's groundbreaking discovery that the disease is transmitted by the bite of the female Aedes aegypti mosquito. This revelation was instrumental in controlling the spread of yellow fever, significantly impacting public health practices.

Plot Summary

Set against the backdrop of Havana in the wake of the Spanish-American War, Yellow Jack dramatizes the real-life events and challenges faced by the Yellow Fever Commission. The narrative focuses on the Commission's efforts to prove the mosquito transmission theory, initially proposed by Carlos Finlay, a Cuban doctor. The play portrays the ethical dilemmas and personal sacrifices of the Commission members, particularly Jesse Lazear and Clarence Gamble, who exposed themselves to the disease to validate their hypothesis.

Characters

• Major Walter Reed - The leader of the Commission, determined and compassionate, Reed is portrayed as a man of integrity and vision.
• Dr. Carlos Finlay - A Cuban physician whose theories on mosquito transmission form the basis of the Commission's work.
• Dr. Jesse Lazear - A member of the Commission who tragically dies from yellow fever after allowing himself to be bitten by infected mosquitoes.
• Dr. Clarence Gamble - Another Commission member who volunteers for the mosquito experiments.
• Private John Kissinger - A soldier who volunteers to be part of the experiment, symbolizing the bravery of the human subjects involved.

Themes

Yellow Jack explores themes of scientific discovery, ethical responsibility, and human courage. The play emphasizes the importance of empirical evidence and the scientific method, while also addressing the moral implications of human experimentation. The personal stories of the characters serve to humanize the scientific narrative, offering insights into the emotional and ethical complexities of medical research.

Production History

Originally conceived by Sidney Howard and produced by the Federal Theatre Project in the 1930s, Yellow Jack successfully combined elements of drama and documentary, employing a narrative style that was innovative for its time. The play has been revived several times, reflecting its enduring relevance and the compelling nature of its story.

Legacy

Yellow Jack not only commemorates the scientific achievements of the Yellow Fever Commission but also serves as a reminder of the human cost of medical progress. The play has been recognized for its historical accuracy and its ability to engage and educate audiences about a pivotal moment in public health history.