The Writer and The Writer's Brother

The Pillowman by Martin McDonagh was interesting to say the least. I really enjoyed it but to be honest, it's not for everyone. If you're offended by swearing and torture, don't bother... That being said, I couldn't put this one down. It's probably one of the greatest plays I've ever read. In the end, nothing feels useless. Every part of the plot seems to tie in really nicely with no real moments of "Why is this happening?"

I think what I really liked about this play was the implications that there has to be some sort of tragedy in your life to really give you purpose. I like that Katurian's trauma is knowing his parents beat his brother to give his own writing depth. It's really twisted but at the same time it's a great realization that there has to be something in your life to give it meaning. If it was all happy, there would be no meaning. And it's not just Katurian's life that is improved by trauma. The cops also find meaning in their own tragedies. It ties the whole the play together.


The little side stories of the play are really genius. I could really see how effective they would be on stage. I think they really add to the whole twisted plot. The few pictures I've seen from the production of the show these little side stories and they all have a certain element of creepiness I can't describe.


This play was really hard to review. I didn't have any major criticisms and it's difficult to discuss without giving the whole story away.