Play: Luther

Introduction
"Luther" is a play written by British playwright John Osborne in 1961. The play has been widely celebrated and was awarded the prominent Tony Award for Best Play in 1964. Embed in the early 16th century, "Luther" is a historical drama that focuses on the life of Martin Luther, a German priest and theologian who played an instrumental function in the Protestant Reformation movement.

Plot Summary
The play begins with a portrayal of Martin Luther's early life, showing him as a young monk having problem with guilt and doubt about his faith in the Roman Catholic Church. This internal conflict is solely obvious in his relationship with his father, a mining entrepreneur who disapproves of Luther's choice to become a monk. The play then shifts to depict Luther's life at the Monastery in Erfurt, where he encounters different individuals who affect his spiritual journey.

Among these individuals is Johann von Staupitz, a priest and Luther's confessor, who encourages Luther to study faith in Rome. In Rome, Luther is exposed to the corruption and immorality present within the Church, such as extravagances and dishonesty amongst the clergy. These experiences even more deepen Luther's doubts about the Catholic Church and lead him to the discovery of the principle of forgiveness and redemption through faith in Christ, rather than through the Church or its routines.

The Ninety-five Theses and the Reformation Movement
Upon his return to Germany, Luther becomes a professor at the University of Wittenberg. Here, he continues to develop his concepts and ultimately writes his well-known Ninety-five Theses, which challenge the Catholic Church's practice of offering extravagances. These theses are the start of the Protestant Reformation movement, and they spread rapidly throughout Europe, causing a massive turmoil within the Catholic Church.

The play even more represents the chain of events and effects that follow this event, with Luther being given various trials, such as the Diet of Worms, where he is stated an apostate for opposing Church teaching. In spite of many effective opponents, Luther remains unwavering in his beliefs and continues to preach his concepts. Eventually, his success in getting fans and support from effective German rulers caused a split within the Church, developing the Protestant denomination. This did not come without personal expenses, as Luther faces continuous obstacles and emotional turmoil due to the effects of his actions.

Historic and Thematic Significance
"Luther" takes an extensive take a look at the individual and religious battles of Martin Luther, delving into his struggling conscience and the tremendous weight of duty that comes with his realization of the flaws within the Church. The play mostly focuses on 2 styles: the individual's look for personal salvation and the battle against institutional corruption. Luther, through resolving the corruption and unbiblical practices of the Roman Catholic Church, not only alters the course of spiritual history however also sets a precedent for questioning organizations and seeking individual engagement with one's faith.

Conclusion
In conclusion, John Osborne's "Luther" is a captivating portrayal of the life, actions, and struggles of a guy whose convictions and beliefs triggered a major historic turmoil, marking the beginning of the Protestant Reformation. The play masterfully browses the complicated socio-political and spiritual context of the time and explores the personal and psychological effect of Luther's actions on his own life, making it an interesting and thought-provoking piece of literature.