Dennis McIntyre, 47; His Plays Explored Today’s Society

Dennis McIntyre, a playwright who examined contemporary society in such works as “Split Second” and “National Anthems,” has died of stomach cancer. He was 47.

He died Thursday at his home in New York City.

McIntyre’s “Split Second,” staged in Los Angeles in 1985 and San Diego in 1986 as well as in New York in 1984, examined the moral angst of an off-duty black policeman who shoots a handcuffed white car thief for taunting him.

His latest play, “Established Price,” was presented at the Long Wharf Theater in New Haven, Conn., last month. Starring Jason Robards, the play involved three corporate executives after the takeover of their sporting goods company.

“National Anthems,” produced last year, also at the Long Wharf, concerned a Yuppie couple assailed by their working class neighbor for their acquisitive life style.