A review by lizzyjensenn
August: Osage County by Tracy Letts

dark emotional funny reflective sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

4.25

Such a gripping play. I watched the film with Julia Roberts and Meryl Streep and found myself here. I couldn’t put it down. The conflict runs so deep, Letts writes about this intergenerational trauma so well. I think Ivy ended up being my favorite character. She has all the rage and hurt that Barbara does but doesn’t let it out. I enjoyed how complicated Barbara’s relationship is with Bill and the reflections of Violet in some of her outbursts. The entire play is devastating and sobering. I loved Charlie’s monologue in defense of little Charles: “I just can’t understand why folks can’t be respectful of one another. I don’t think there’s any excuse for it. My family didn’t treat each other that way.”
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