Switzerland

by Joanna Murray-Smith

Its 1995 in the Swiss Alps and the ailing reclusive crime writer Patricia Highsmith is visited by a genial young man from her New York publisher, sent to convince her to write the final instalment of her best-selling Mr Ripley series. What first appears to be a standard cat-and-mouse game of wit and wiles, soon becomes a dance to the death. Who is the cat and who is the mouse And who will make it out of Switzerland alive A chilling and sometimes hilarious two-hander, with Murray-Smiths signature lucid-lettered prose. (3 acts, 1 male, 1 female).

Genres: Plays, Theatre

64 pages, Paperback

Published April 1, 2016

About the author

Australian playwright.

Reviews

[Alessia]

hmmm Switzerland I have a lot of thoughts. You are a good play but I resent you in many ways.

[Rose · Rating 2 out of 5]

i hate you switzerland how dare you have so much for me to memorise

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably a 2.5 rounded up for those who have a particular interest in Patricia Highsmith and/or The Talented Mr. Ripley. I do not, so it seemed rather thin and unimportant to me. It’s a short play, so at least it doesn’t drag on and on. The writing is a little heavy handed in wanting to make various points about modernity and the profession of writing. One of the initial productions starred Laura Linney, and I imagine she was the primary (if not only) draw for audiences. Without an actress of that wattage, I’m not sure how bright this shines. But, It’s so broadly camp at times, I’d enjoy seeing a mature drag queen like Coco Peru chewing the scenery as Patricia.

[Kerry · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't super impressed initially , but I persevered and it was worth it. The end certainly justifies the means!

[Wren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Patricia Highsmith is a mesmerising character to observe. I came out of the play understanding very little about her, which I believe is what she would have wanted.