The Originalist
by John Strand

Name: The Originalist
Brand: John Strand
SKU: 9780822239840
Rating: 4.38 (2 reviews)

The Originalist Book Cover — The Originalist Cover

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What readers are saying

Readers appreciate the insightful exploration of Justice Antonin Scalia's character and his dynamic with his liberal clerk. Many highlight the play's unique blend of opera, dialogue, and themes of intellectual debate, which create a captivating atmosphere. The fictionalized relationship adds depth to the portrayal of political and ideological contrasts.

Engaging exploration of political differencesUnique blend of opera and dialogueStrong character dynamicsPacing may feel slow at times

Synopsis

THE STORY: When a bright, liberal, Harvard Law School graduate embarks on a nerve-wracking clerkship with fearsome conservative Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, she discovers him to be both an infuriating sparring partner and an unexpected mentor.

John Strand’s critically acclaimed drama depicts passionate people risking heart and soul to defend their version of the truth.

What does it cost us to suppress our fear and distrust, take a step toward the middle, and sit down with the monsters?

Press Reviews

"…a timely, almost revolutionary work.” —The Economist. “Now the country’s most famous legal showman has gotten his show…Mr. Strand writes lively, fluid dialogue, particularly for Scalia, who gets the best jokes and jabs…” —The New York Times. “The mission of THE ORIGINALIST is to get people to listen… it may be that rare play of political ideas that can woo audiences in territory marked blue, red or purple… You feel the force of the ideas, the bedrock of thought and of principle, even if you disagree.” —Washington Post. “[THE ORIGINALIST] depicts robust, aggressive, passionate disagreement in a context of respect and developing friendship. It accepts power and winning as measures of success, but decency and kindness as even more important measures of a person. In that regard, it feels like a play we need right now.” —Chicago Sun-Times. “THE ORIGINALIST is a meditation on Scalia’s judicial philosophy as he intellectually spars with Cat, his liberal law clerk. Their exchanges—cut"
— Los Angeles Times