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Plays 2: The Country / Attempts on Her Life / The Misanthrope / No One Sees the Video
This second collection of Martin Crimp's work brings together four remarkable plays.
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 20, 2005
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About the author
Martin Crimp
59 books43 followersMartin Andrew Crimp (born 14 February 1956 in Dartford, Kent) is a British playwright.
Crimp is sometimes described as a practitioner of the "in-yer-face" school of contemporary British drama, although he rejects the label. He is notable for the astringency of his dialogue, a tone of emotional detachment, a bleak view of human relationships – none of his characters experience love or joy – and latterly, a concern for theatrical form and language rather than an interest in narrative.
Crimp is sometimes described as a practitioner of the "in-yer-face" school of contemporary British drama, although he rejects the label. He is notable for the astringency of his dialogue, a tone of emotional detachment, a bleak view of human relationships – none of his characters experience love or joy – and latterly, a concern for theatrical form and language rather than an interest in narrative.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
May 1, 2020
I didn't read this book linearly, as I was reading it for a university class. So, I ended up reading the Misanthrope last which ended up being the best way in my opinion. I've never read the original, but I loved the characters of John, Jennifer and Alceste. Although, Alceste is a pompous ass, at the end of the play I really did feel sympathetic for him. I love how Jennifer is both vulnerable and in complete control at all times.
I also enjoyed Attempts on Her Life, but it was much easier to understand when watching a stage adaption (free on Youtube). The way Crimp has chosen to break the form of the play is not lost on me here and I really did enjoy. I also liked the fact that this play was followed by the more conventional The Country.
The biggest problem I had with every single piece however was Crimp's point. I feel like he's really trying to sell a moral or point with each play (even if that point is that there is no point) and I feel like I'm nearly there but not quite grasping it. Crimp does make up for this, in my opinion, with his fantastic use of language. Every time a character speaks it sounds so naturalistic and I can completely believe somebody saying it word for word.
I also enjoyed Attempts on Her Life, but it was much easier to understand when watching a stage adaption (free on Youtube). The way Crimp has chosen to break the form of the play is not lost on me here and I really did enjoy. I also liked the fact that this play was followed by the more conventional The Country.
The biggest problem I had with every single piece however was Crimp's point. I feel like he's really trying to sell a moral or point with each play (even if that point is that there is no point) and I feel like I'm nearly there but not quite grasping it. Crimp does make up for this, in my opinion, with his fantastic use of language. Every time a character speaks it sounds so naturalistic and I can completely believe somebody saying it word for word.
February 15, 2022
3 stars for Attempts on Her Life
November 27, 2018
Excelente fragmentación del discurso.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews