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A review by nurostep
Death and the Maiden by Ariel Dorfman
3.0
A very intriguingly written play that launches you into what seems to be an absurd situation that, we come to find, is actually much more realistic than it seems at face value. Serves an interesting role as a commentary on trauma, war, authoritative regimes (and regime changes) and makes you think about things you may not have considered about family, life, politics, and other people.
Personally, I was a bit turned off by the way the absurdity in dialogue and interaction was constructed. I can’t fully explain it, but it just felt…forced? Like it was pursuing absurdity for no real reason when it didn’t need to be and, quite possibly, would’ve benefitted from its avoidance in many sections. However, the plot was still intriguing and the characters were interesting, although they themselves (aside from, maybe, Paulina) also felt a bit underdeveloped. If half stars were available, I’d give it 3.5, but 4 is a bit too much for me. Would still recommend reading this to anyone who enjoys drama and/or the absurd.
Personally, I was a bit turned off by the way the absurdity in dialogue and interaction was constructed. I can’t fully explain it, but it just felt…forced? Like it was pursuing absurdity for no real reason when it didn’t need to be and, quite possibly, would’ve benefitted from its avoidance in many sections. However, the plot was still intriguing and the characters were interesting, although they themselves (aside from, maybe, Paulina) also felt a bit underdeveloped. If half stars were available, I’d give it 3.5, but 4 is a bit too much for me. Would still recommend reading this to anyone who enjoys drama and/or the absurd.