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All an Act Productions Stages Death and the Maiden
Ariel Dorfman's Death and the Maiden will be performed this month by Erie's All An Act Productions.
September 30, 2015 at 11:15 AM
Contributed photo
Friday, Oct. 2
Totalitarian regimes have a way of stripping away citizens' humanity, and their minds.
Take the events of Ariel Dorfman's Death and the Maiden, performed this month by Erie's All An Act Productions. Years ago, Paulina was a political prisoner repeatedly tortured and raped by someone whose face she never saw. Flash forward to the present day: the regime has fallen and Paulina's husband, Gerardo, is in charge of investigating human rights abuses.
When Roberto Miranda accompanies Gerardo home one night, one feature is familiar to Paulina: Miranda's voice, which is the voice of her rapist.
She takes him hostage, interrogating him and demanding a confession. What follows is a dance of guilt and sanity, of sadism and paranoia, as Paulina's own husband — the man in charge of investigating such abuses! — does not believe her.
Word to the wise: though it may not be clear who is innocent at the end of the play, it's always a good idea to side with your lady. Trust me. — Sara Toth
7:30 p.m. Oct. 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17; 3 p.m. Oct. 4, 11, 18 // All An Act Productions, 652 W. 17th St. // Tickets $12 adults; $8 seniors and students // 450.8553 or 449.6554 // allanact.net