Micro-Review #78: Death and the Maiden

by Ariel Dorfman

A haunting play about finding justice in a new democracy after decades of dictatorship. Paulina, a former political prisoner and victim of brutal torture, takes her husband’s newest friend hostage. Roberto is a doctor who may or may not have been Paulina’s main tormentor under the old regime. What if she’s right and Roberto is guilty? Should she mete out harsh justice? In taking revenge, would she become the very thing she always fought against? Such questions run through this fast, mesmerizing play about crime and punishment. Rational thinking goes up against emotional need, and maybe, just maybe, there’s still room in this world of violence and hate for noble thoughts and behavior. Reviewed on Jan. 20, 2022

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