The Penitent
by David Mamet

Name: The Penitent
Brand: David Mamet
SKU: 9780573706462
Rating: 3.49 (3 reviews)

The Penitent Book Cover — The Penitent Cover

Highlights

Female

Male

90 minsPresent DayStrong Role for Leading Man (Star Vehicle)Interior SetContemporary Costumes/Street Clothes

What readers are saying

Readers have mixed feelings about the play, finding it intellectually stimulating yet challenging due to its heavy subtext. Many appreciate the moral and ethical questions posed by Mamet, but some critique aspects of character development and predictability. The themes resonate with those familiar with his work, although not everyone is satisfied with the execution.

Thought-provoking themesEngaging moral dilemmasStrong character explorationPredictable character arcsHeavy subtext may confuse

Synopsis

A renowned psychologist, Charles, is asked to testify on behalf of one of his former patients who has committed a shooting.

At first he is hesitant, and as his lawyer and his wife begin to tell him how he should handle the situation, Charles clings more fervently to his morals and his ethics.

However, the tighter he clings, the more his reputation and career hang in the balance, especially as more truths are revealed about his relationship to his patient.

Press Reviews

"You can still hear a little of that old MAMETIAN MAGIC. The language is both casual and formal and the result can be wonderful - like Schubert scoring a boxing match."
— The New York Times

Characters

Character	Gender	Age	Description
Kate middle-aged woman, his wife.	female	—	middle-aged woman, his wife.
Richard a family friend.	—	—	a family friend.
An Attorney	—	—	—
Charles a middle-aged psychologist.	—	—	a middle-aged psychologist.