Down from Heaven

by Colleen Wagner

A stunning new play by Governor General's Literary Award–winner. Down from Heaven examines the tenuous balance between civility and savagery, morality and survival, class struggle, art, and love when a pandemic and food crisis challenges dearly held beliefs.

112 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2011

Reviews

[Mark Cofta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a dark and fascinating 4-person play (2m, 2f) that is remarkably prescient. First performed in 2009, Colleen Wagner's drama imagines an upper-class neighborhood when the nation is apparently ravaged by a deadly virus. The family's gardener, Cheat, locks the family in their basement and claims it's for their protection. Meanwhile, he becomes an local vigilante officer after normal government breaks down. What he really wants, though, is teenager Laurel. I would've loved this if it didn't fit 2020 so well, not only about a pandemic but also the class struggle between the rich and poor, but since it does . . . someone should do it. Down from Heaven might make a fascinating film, too.

[Diabolica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not entirely my cup of tea, but had some very interesting themes and dialogues.