Book Review: Glass. Kill. Bluebeard. Imp.

(Bought at the Drama Book Store in NYC) I bought this collection because the Public Theater has announced they will be presenting 3 of the 4 short title works plus What If If Only instead of Bluebeard's Friends. Caryl Churchill is one of the most influential and important playwrights of her era. I first encountered her in the 1980s and '90s with the Public Theater productions of Fen, Top Girls, Serious Money, and The Skriker. Then New York Theater Workshop's A Number and Far Away; followed by Blue Heart at BAM and a brilliant revival of Cloud 9 at Atlantic Theater Company. Mad Forest and a Broadway revival of Top Girls were presented by Manhattan Theater Club. She continues to reinvent herself and break all theatrical rules. While most authors stick to their signature style, everyone of her works is unique. Here the four pieces detail the impact of fantasy and folklore on modern life. A girl made of glass metaphorically breaks down. The Greek myths of murder are explored. Bluebeard gets the #MeToo treatment. An imaginary wishgranting imp influences four despondent people. Intriguing and haunting as are all of Churchill's works. I'm looking forward to seeing them on stage next year.

The other shorts were all very brief and political, amounting to editorials rather than dramas. I agree with the anti-Trump and pro-gay pieces but disagree with her anti-Israel stance, and would like to see the plays in production.