Quills
by Doug Wright

Name: Quills
Brand: Doug Wright
SKU: 9780822215318
Rating: 4.01 (309 reviews)

Highlights

Medium Cast

Female

Male

120 mins Unit Set/Multiple Settings American Comedy

Awards & Recognition

Obie Award

Winner! 1996 Obie Award for Playwrighting

What readers are saying

Readers find 'Quills' to be a provocative exploration of censorship and the artistic spirit, often describing it as darker and more intense than the film adaptation. Many appreciate its philosophical depth and the complex character of the Marquis de Sade, enjoying its blend of delight and disturbance. The play's compelling imagery and writing style resonate well with audiences, making it a memorable and thought-provoking experience.

Provocative exploration of censorship Darker and wilder than the film Philosophical depth Compelling imagery and prose May be too disturbing for sensitive viewers

Synopsis

THE STORY: Doctor Royer-Collard, head of Charenton Asylum, is visited by Renee Pelagie, wife of the asylum's most notorious inmate, the Marquis de Sade.

Furious that her husband's sadomasochistic pornography has tarnished her reputation, she offers

Press Reviews

"Doug Wright's raffish new comedy, part theater of the ridiculous, part comedy of manners and part Grand Guignol, successfully blends intentional archness, grotesque exaggeration and bold humor to create a theatrical experience of real wit.“ —The New York Times. ”Exuberant theater-making…gory, depraved, revolting and—uh-oh—sentimental. On top of all that, the play has something to say about censorship and what happens when you try to suppress art…Smirky, gross-out fun with a purpose. It's an amazing show.“ —Variety. ”Cunningly structured and gorgeously written, with every phrase turned to a high, gleaming polish. Quills is a superb piece of writing."
— Village Voice