Perhaps it’s my lack of fluency in the language of comic
books. Maybe I spend too much time with my friends from the Women’s Studies
Department, or maybe I just don’t want to know what goes on in the minds of
some twenty-something male writers. Whatever the reason, I found myself feeling
amused, entertained, and yet vaguely offended during most of this show.
In
the show, a writer narrates the book he is writing, while his characters act
out the story on the stage next to him. In typical comic book romance fashion,
these characters are mostly two-dimensional stereotypes defined by their
sexuality. This fact would be fine if it were somehow critiqued, or if we were
able to explore the psyche of the writer himself. What needs does he seek to satisfy through his writing? Unfortunately,
such contemplations get lost in the tantalizing spectacle of the bawdy,
energetic plot-within-the-plot.
The
cast gets points for creative use of sets and props, as well as for solid
performances. This is a great production for a person who is a fan of comic
books and romance novels, but the satire doesn’t come across effectively enough
for someone who is not. Someone like me.
-- Katrin Welch
I'm sorry you're not a sex positive feminist. You know, someone like me.
ReplyDeleteWhat's the name of the male playwright?
ReplyDeleteTo clarify, I was referring what goes on in the mind of the male writer in the play.
ReplyDeleteI hope we can all respect each other's opinions about works of art and have a respectful dialogue. I think that's what playwrights like Katharine Heller are hoping for.
Hi, playwright here! Thank you so much for coming to the show. I always appreciate and respect all reviews - this show has been produced numerous times by various companies for 4 years and it means a lot that you took the time to see it. Would you mind crediting the director and the cast in your review if you can? (Not everyone goes to links). Thanks again for coming; I'm sure it meant a lot to the cast!
ReplyDeleteBest,
Katharine