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Raised in Captivity
"By a mile, the best new play of the season>"--John Heilpern, New York Observer.
112 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 1995
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
May 29, 2014
A wonderfully written play about an abysmally dysfunctional family. Cast of characters: a gay man, his crazy psychologist, his nutty twin sister, her husband, their infant, and the infant’s dead grandmother. It's full of delicious absurdities, funny non-sequiteurs, and maladaptive responses that offer samples of bizarre dialogue that had me, the reader, laughing aloud - even though the situations are often wrenching.
The very needy psychologist moves in with her ex-patient's sister and brother-in-law. By this time, she’s mutilated herself, partly to expiate her sins, partly in grief, after her last remaining patient, the gay twin, announces that he’s done with therapy.
The former patient holes up with his infant nephew in the nursery. He’s in mourning for his one true love, Simon, who died years earlier of AIDS. The new parents are off, with their baby, to Africa - oblivious, as it seems, to the dangers that may lurk. The baby's father, a dentist, chucks his profession in favor of a beret and paint palette, though all his paintings, many of them portraits, emerge as white canvases. A blind connoisseur can "see" them by feeling the brushstrokes.
It's all hilariously ludicrous while introducing serious tragedy. Thank you, Nicky Silver.
The very needy psychologist moves in with her ex-patient's sister and brother-in-law. By this time, she’s mutilated herself, partly to expiate her sins, partly in grief, after her last remaining patient, the gay twin, announces that he’s done with therapy.
The former patient holes up with his infant nephew in the nursery. He’s in mourning for his one true love, Simon, who died years earlier of AIDS. The new parents are off, with their baby, to Africa - oblivious, as it seems, to the dangers that may lurk. The baby's father, a dentist, chucks his profession in favor of a beret and paint palette, though all his paintings, many of them portraits, emerge as white canvases. A blind connoisseur can "see" them by feeling the brushstrokes.
It's all hilariously ludicrous while introducing serious tragedy. Thank you, Nicky Silver.
August 24, 2007
Silver is F*cking ruthless
May 19, 2026
As bizarre as PTERODACTYLS or FAT MEN IN SKIRTS, as just as impressive. Dark comedy—light tragedy (how about “farcedy”?)—whatever one calls it, it’s a dark delight, in the fine tradition of Christopher Durant, but darker perhaps?
Oh to have seen the original production with Brian Kerwin, Anthony Rapp, and (goddess) Patricia Clarkson.
Oh to have seen the original production with Brian Kerwin, Anthony Rapp, and (goddess) Patricia Clarkson.
May 4, 2018
This play was hilarious! The characters are so over the top and wacky and yet so real. Definitely a recommend this play as a must-read for actors.
October 16, 2023
Loved it
Cathartic and brutally honest. I was glad I read it and finished it. It was a quick read and worth it to me.
Cathartic and brutally honest. I was glad I read it and finished it. It was a quick read and worth it to me.
January 5, 2026
Overall good story. I really liked the dynamic between the twin sister and her crazy painter husband
January 8, 2011
Funny and moving. A great combination.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews