The Illusion: 01/01/09
I like to read beyond my comfort level. The play The Illusion by Tony Kushner, an adaptation of the Pierre Corneille metaplay from 1636 fits the bill. It is deceptively short but requires one's full attention.

Unfortunately for me, I chose to read it while I was sick in bed. The first time I read it, I didn't understand it and I hated it. But, the play is short (sixty or so pages) and my initial reaction irritated me. So today with a clear head, I re-read the play and loved it.

The gist of the play is this: a man goes to a wizard to find the son he disowned decades earlier. The man is old and in need of an heir to wrap up his affairs. The wizard shows him his son and a variety of tragic events. Somewhere in all of that lies the truth. Like the father, I didn't get what the wizard was illustrating the first time I read it. The second time, with a clear head, it was obvious and very funny.

I don't want to give away the ending because it's the perfect conclusion to the play. Get yourself a copy and read it or better yet, maybe you'll be lucky enough to see it performed. I suspect the twist will be more obvious when seen live.

books | play | Tony Kushner | Pierre Corneille | 1636 | 2003

Leave a Comment

Permalink

Comment #1: Wednesday, January, 7, 2009 at 14:03:37

Brian

I saw a production of The Illusion, translated by Ranjit Bolt, at the Old Vic in London years ago. It was absolutely brilliant and I'd agree that anyone who gets the chance should to see it.

Comment #2: Saturday, January 10, 2009 at 20:40:13

Excellent. I hope to have the chance to see it performed some day. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment.