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joeldrama's review against another edition
5.0
I had to give myself time inbetween each play to really take a moment and let them sink in before moving on. Truly astonishing work, what I wouldn't give to see them live...
Blasted (reread): such an iconic and horrifically violent and graphic play
Phaedra's Love: Kane superbly brings the gore and violence of the Greek myth to the forefront in this modern retelling
Cleansed: Some truly inspirational 'impossible' stage directions; a masterclass in demanding imaginitive excellence from your director(s)
Crave: I'm not sure I could describe quite what I just read but that didn't make it any less impactful
4.48 Psychosis: The craft is just truly impeccable. It is in no way traditional and yet at the same time so clearly and intrinsically theatre
Skin: A fascinating branch into film that both extends many of Kane's key themes and also feels distinct from her other works
Blasted (reread): such an iconic and horrifically violent and graphic play
Phaedra's Love: Kane superbly brings the gore and violence of the Greek myth to the forefront in this modern retelling
Cleansed: Some truly inspirational 'impossible' stage directions; a masterclass in demanding imaginitive excellence from your director(s)
Crave: I'm not sure I could describe quite what I just read but that didn't make it any less impactful
4.48 Psychosis: The craft is just truly impeccable. It is in no way traditional and yet at the same time so clearly and intrinsically theatre
Skin: A fascinating branch into film that both extends many of Kane's key themes and also feels distinct from her other works
mxunsmiley's review against another edition
4.0
Imagining seeing the bulk of these plays performed live is a bit strange and difficult, the text itself already epitomizing those aspects in spades. Many of the stage directions require an innovative vision and ingenuity; it's no wonder that she was the subject of so much talk and backlash while she was alive, not to mention the content of the dramas reckoning with taboo, violence, and sadism.
It's easy to accuse her of simply going for the most in shock value but I'm of the view that she just laid bare what is often dismissed or obscured, whether due to shame or to maintain the status quo. The link between war and sexual violence, how the former feeds the latter both practically and conceptually, and the fear and rejection of the other, are gruesomely portrayed in Blasted. I also loved Crave, how it identified the many confusing and maddening aspects of desire and love.
Probably the play which hit me the hardest was 4.48 Psychosis. Overall, her way of conveying wrought emotion and desperation alternately bluntly and floridly achieves this sense of instability both internally and externally. The short lines of dialogue, the stilted back and forth, left a real impact that perhaps more developed exchanges would have failed to get the same effect.
It's easy to accuse her of simply going for the most in shock value but I'm of the view that she just laid bare what is often dismissed or obscured, whether due to shame or to maintain the status quo. The link between war and sexual violence, how the former feeds the latter both practically and conceptually, and the fear and rejection of the other, are gruesomely portrayed in Blasted. I also loved Crave, how it identified the many confusing and maddening aspects of desire and love.
Probably the play which hit me the hardest was 4.48 Psychosis. Overall, her way of conveying wrought emotion and desperation alternately bluntly and floridly achieves this sense of instability both internally and externally. The short lines of dialogue, the stilted back and forth, left a real impact that perhaps more developed exchanges would have failed to get the same effect.
bookiss's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
josettep's review against another edition
challenging
dark
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
mollyrenemidd's review against another edition
3.0
Enjoyed the concepts of the pieces and very radical for its time but it’s cult following makes it difficult to enjoy more than it being a showpiece for ‘edgy performers’
jess13jess's review against another edition
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
chuey27's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
autumnjb's review against another edition
1.0
I've gotten to page 205, 4/6 plays in and I literally can't stand it anymore. I hate to not finish a book but I don't get this writer or her mind and I don't ...want to. Seems like a dark place and nothing about it feels clever.
audalin's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
magenta_menace's review against another edition
4.75
rip queen you would have loved the weird girl renaissance in the transgressive lit movement happening right now