Bob Verini – Arts In LA
Steven Drukman’s Death of the Author is, hands down, one of the very best plays of the year. A mystery wrapped within a psychological portrait gallery within a stinging critique of academic politics, it satisfies on every level during its completely gripping 90 minutes. Angelenos lucky enough to catch it at the Geffen will steal a mark on audiences in, trust me, many, many cities around the United States in years to come. Read more…
Myron Meisel – The Hollywood Reporter
Having narrowly escaped academe with only soaked knees before the tsunami of structuralism hit with full force, this critic has been fortunate enough to contemplate its roiling waters at safe distance over its decades of circular dominance without needing to swim perilously against its tide. While the application of such theories can generate some genuine insights and no-longer-new perspectives, “postmodern” has long forfeited its revolutionary innovation to become the standard collegiate orthodoxy, aging into cant and cliché. Read more…
Terry Morgan – Talkin’ Broadway
Things aren’t what they used to be in academia. Back in the day, if one turned in a less than optimal paper, the professor would give one a poor grade, and that was that. In modern times, however, if a student fails a class, his or her parents can sue the teacher or university for damages and win. The domain of higher education has become more treacherous in unexpected ways, and Steven Drukman’s clever new play Death of the Author charts the territory with pointed wit. It’s unfortunate, however, that the brilliance of the first hour sputters out in a weak and contrived finale. Read more…
Les Spindle – Frontiers L.A.
This world premiere play by prolific scribe Steven Drukman offers a rich brew, blending humor in academia with a sly battle of wits, spiced up with homoerotic undertones. Ace director Bart DeLorenzo and a crackerjack cast parlay this taut 90-minute dramedy into a sophisticated and enthralling experience.
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Now running through June 22.