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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
About the author
Martin Crimp
57 books47 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 - 4 of 4 reviews
November 27, 2018
Excelente fragmentación del discurso.
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
January 15, 2026
L'idea che nel mondo esista Martin Crimp, capace di trascrivere così i ritmi spontanei delle nostre conversazioni, tanto che sembra di ascoltarle mentre si legge, mi rende felice di essere su questo pianeta.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews