Downstate
by Bruce Norris

Name: Downstate
Brand: Bruce Norris
SKU: 9781848428195
Rating: 4.31 (162 reviews)

Highlights

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Large Cast

American Comedy

What readers are saying

Readers appreciate the complex and challenging themes presented in the play, particularly how it examines morality and human suffering. Many commend Bruce Norris for his ability to create deeply troubled yet relatable characters and for tackling difficult societal issues with both humor and gravity. Overall, the play is seen as a thought-provoking exploration of redemption and punishment, though not without its critics who found parts lacking.

Complex characters and themes Engaging and thought-provoking Skillful writing and humor Some sections feel lacking Not everyone connects with the narrative

Synopsis

In downstate Illinois, four men convicted of sex crimes against minors share a group home where they live out their lives in the shadow of the offences they committed.

A man shows up to confront his childhood abuser – but does he want closure or retribution?

Bruce Norris's provocative play Downstate zeroes in on the limits of our compassion and what happens when society deems anyone beyond forgiveness.

It received its UK premiere at the National Theatre, London, in March 2019, in the same production which had its world premiere at Steppenwolf Theatre, Chicago, in September 2018.

'An unsentimental act of compassion and a devastating entertainment, a wry polemic and the darkest of dark comedies' - Chicago Reader

'[An] audacious, highly charged play' - Daily Herald

Themes PS3614.O768 D69 2019 Sex crimes--Drama Literature Criminals Sex crimes Criminals--Illinois--Drama Manners and customs

Press Reviews

">Press Quotes'You can hear a pin-drop for most of the evening – except when you are laughing in shock or reeling in surprise... an astonishing piece of writing, which fulfils art's profound function of making you look and think hard about complex, difficult moral issues"
— WhatsOnStage