Problem Child

by George F. Walker

Genres: Plays, Theatre, Drama

Unknown Binding

Reviews

[Jer Lesperance · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helen go to the fucking police Jesus Christ.

[Brad · Rating 4 out of 5]

The cracks in our society are wide. Our self-appointed do-gooders often do no good at all. And our have-nots are often tossed aside or trampled on as society "cares" for the vulnerable. George F. Walker must have seen this somewhere in his life, for his play Problem Child hits the dirty windows that cover up these social shortcomings with a high-pressure wash.

He doesn't seem to be saying that there is no place for assistance, or for those in power to protect the vulnerable, but he is definitely saying that many of those who take on the jobs of protection (much like high school bullies who become police officers) are not suitable to the jobs they have adopted. Like the aforementioned cops, many of them take on their jobs for the power and control it gives them, then they go onto abuse that power.

Problem Child tells this tale with humour -- often quite dark humour -- mixed with a healthy serving of unflinching reality. All of its four characters are deeply flawed, but the three at the mercy of the one are doing the best they can in a world stacked against them. That "best they can" is a long way from "good" but it is real, and it allows us to feel their pain and pull for them against the man.

Another dark slice of Canadiana, Problem Child is a play I need to see staged.

[Joti · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the idea of how the cards are stacked against fuck-ups & criminals in society - this notion that do they ever really get a second chance ? A lot going on in such a short play

[Tony Loyer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not bad. Like most of what I've read by George F. Walker, very frenetic pacing, unlikable characters, messed up situational comedy and very dark. I liked it more than others I've read by him but really struggle with the why of this story. Where's the redemption arc, what's the reasoning behind telling this messed up story besides showing that there's some weird people out there (we know, so what?). I don't think this story is relatable at all but there were some laughs for fans of dark comedy, not a lot but some. I feel like this play would stress me out if I watched it live, not dull though, just strange, a little pointless, and dark.

[Cecily Black · Rating 3 out of 5]

Part of a bigger series of plays but I only had the chance to study this installment for University English. Sadness and humour are the spectrum of emotion in this play and an issue that many people in poverty may have experienced. The relatability makes the play quite powerful and I really enjoyed it.

[Greenleafsleaf · Rating 4 out of 5]

habs auf Deutsch gelesen zwecks Dramatic Works Unterricht aber ganz ehrlich? Ich wollte nie mehr RUF DEN VERDAMMTEN KRANKENWAGEN schreien. Aber eine lebende Person im Garten vergraben, hört sich auch natürlich sehr schlau an...

[aliyah :] · Rating 5 out of 5]

i am Confused

[Seth · Rating 4 out of 5]

The system!