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bucketofcrows's review against another edition
fast-paced
1.0
Un homme a lu Macbeth et s'est cru meilleur que Shakespeare parce qu'il est vulgaire.
paul_viaf's review against another edition
3.0
Comical. Vulgar. Absurdist. A few adjectives which come to mind to describe this play. Pere Ubu, the main character, is cowardly, lazy, despicable, comical, a tyrant, a bloodthirsty murderer, greedy, idiotic, a liar, manipulative. He reminds me of a particular politician currently running for the oval office. A particular Mr. Trump or at least the Trump persona. As politics goes this election season, the tale of this oaf could not be more relevant. It is as hyperbolic as any satirical piece but stands out as a bridge work towards movements which would be adopted by later surrealists, dadaists & absurdists. & yet it's sophomoric & almost unintriguing as it would be to watch Trump for any extended period of time. The piece seems to lack depth or a more nuanced complexity. It seems offensive for offensive sake & yet perhaps this was an attempted rebellion against the constraints of bourgeois theater at that time. Perhaps to provide commentary on the subject of power whores, warmongers, politicians, land grabs & power struggles, involves the portrayal of such barbarism & knavery. As we have seen throughout human history these subjects bring out the most disgraceful & base characteristics of humanity. Even now we see it as debauchery in suit form sponsored by the blood mills of the military complex & greedy megalomaniacs. Some would say this is simplistic portrayal of players more complex than these crass silhouettes. But I would say shit is shit even when decorated by the rarest of coveted jewels. Two essays at the end of the book however do successfully attempt to explain his schematic & theatrical choices. In this manner his intellect & grasp of nuance pervades. I would of rather read a play by this articulate man rather than the crude piece that manifested. & this comes from a man that regards highly the works of Naked Lunch & punk rock.
violainend's review against another edition
challenging
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
jany_wants_a_cracker's review against another edition
3.5
vielleicht ist die welt einfach zu absurd um dieses stück absurd zu finden. gut wars aber trdm.
lostlenore's review against another edition
4.0
Read this play for a drama class. Jarry was difficult to appreciate at first, but the more I studied it the more I liked it. Absurdist drama owes much of its nature to this and Jarry’s other works.
Whether it’s a commentary on the growing Bourgeois class or a tongue in cheek retelling of Macbeth, however you read it, it’s work time and appreciation.
Whether it’s a commentary on the growing Bourgeois class or a tongue in cheek retelling of Macbeth, however you read it, it’s work time and appreciation.