Rabbit

by Nina Raine

It's Bella's twenty-ninth birthday. Friends and former lovers meet for a drink to celebrate. But as the Bloody Marys flow, the bar becomes a battlefield. In the uncivil war between the sexes, what happens when the females have the real fire-power -- stockpiles of testosterone, lethal wit and explosive attitude? And what happens when patriarchy gets personal, when it's your own father who's tragic and terminal? When the only man you really love is dying?

Genres: Plays, Theatre, Fiction

72 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2007

Reviews

[addie · Rating 4 out of 5]

never met a nina raine character that wasn't a misogynist i wanted to punch in the face

[abishay · Rating 4 out of 5]

i disliked all these characters, but i like them as a group. i believe that’s the point, though. thats why im rating it 4 stars.

i recommend 👍 quick, entertaining, and emotional (all u can ask for in a play)

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nina Raine's Rabbit seems like any other 21st Century modern play about young 20-somethings. They stand around and talk about love, careers and penis sizes (right?). The f-word is used gratuitously and if you're lucky, you might even hear them drop the 'cunt' word (Spoilers: they do). Strangely enough, rabbits are never mentioned. Is Rabbit just another play in this modern world with shocking, naughty language?

Bella is a twenty-something celebrating her 29th birthday. Her father is dying but she's at a restaurant/pub with four friends who range from past lovers to just typical girlfriends. Drinks are downed and as the night goes on, scars and insecurities are cut up and brought out to pasture. Also, a certain character's (ahem) member is brought into detail that still haunts me as I write this. Rabbit reminds me of other modern plays such as: Bachelorette, Five Women Wearing the Same Dress, and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Gynecologic Oncology Unit at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center of New York City. (And yes, I do think Halley Feiffer is pretentious with that title.) However, Rabbit has a British setting, so you know, it's classier.

However, there's an added edge as we are treated to flashbacks between Bella and Father that serve us another helping of Bella's psyche. Throughout, it's an interesting script that could be a disaster in amateurs' hands.

[James ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story felt like listening in on bickering friends who have had too much to drink. This was amusing at times, but got old pretty quickly and didn't feel very engaging. However, I enjoyed the moments between Bella and her dad, and the insight they gave on her character's thoughts and actions. While the dialogue wasn't particularly strong, the character connections and emotions of the piece made it an enjoyable read.

[Asha · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I really enjoyed the quick paced back and forth dialogue. Particularly the discussion about sex in relation to men vs woman having control/power. I felt the father relationship was underdeveloped slightly. Tom added some great comedic moments. Not 100% sure of the end. But I did like how she left the pub.

[Foxglove · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’m sorry but this play is not clever. It does not make the audience think. The theme of misogyny is not cleverly woven throughout so much as it is plonked on at random points, especially closer to the end. Also, the title…seriously?

[Shane Hickey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thoroughly disliked this until the last 10 pages, then everything clicked. I'd love to see a live production of this.

[Biblioteka Wydziału Neofilologii UW]

N.15840

[Arden Wolfe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ooooooh would I love to be in a production of this. God this play is witty. It’s like a good modern family episode. I love the dad stuff too. Like awwwww.

[Gaby Canedo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I honestly really enjoyed this play. It deals a lot with misogyny and it’s really fascinating how internalized it is in these characters. And when I found out why it’s called rabbit I wanted to cry.

[amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like the British show Coupling you'll like this play.