Community Reviews

Rating(3.8 / 5.0, 99 votes)
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99 reviews
July 15,2025
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"The Phone Code" is the first thing that I read from Sam Shepard, and for this reason, I am not familiar with his techniques or his penmanship.

However, the play is about the breakdown of a family after a horrible incident. A family from which nothing is left but a dirty corpse, and all of its members, in the midst of the chaos, are forced to tolerate each other for the sake of continuing their lives.

Something that Sam Shepard emphasizes throughout the story, especially at the end of the plot, is that this pitiful situation will never end, and all the events and decisions will continue in a hereditary manner.

This play seems to explore the deep and complex relationships within a family, and how a single incident can shatter everything. It makes the reader think about the fragility of family bonds and the lengths that people will go to in order to survive.

Overall, "The Phone Code" is a thought-provoking and powerful piece of work that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.
July 15,2025
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I have read this play approximately seven or eight times.

During my college days, I utilized this play for my final script analysis project. Each time I delved into its pages, I uncovered an increasing number of peculiar qualities concealed within the text.

I am an avid enthusiast of dark plays that feature warped characters. The allure of such plays lies in their ability to explore the depths of human nature and the darker aspects of the human psyche.

This particular play has managed to captivate my attention with its unique blend of mystery, suspense, and the unexpected. It challenges my perception of what is normal and forces me to question the motives and actions of the characters.

As I continue to read and analyze this play, I am constantly amazed by the complexity and depth that the author has managed to infuse into the story. It is a true masterpiece that keeps me coming back for more.
July 15,2025
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Strange, strange, strange.

This is the first impression that came to my mind when I encountered this thing. It was something so out of the ordinary, so unexpected.

But, to my surprise, I found that I actually liked it.

There was something about its strangeness that intrigued me, that made me want to explore it further.

Maybe it was the novelty, the fact that it was different from everything else I had ever known.

Or maybe it was the challenge it presented, the need to figure out what it was and how it worked.

Whatever the reason, I was drawn to it like a moth to a flame.

I couldn't help but keep coming back, keep looking at it, keep thinking about it.

And with each passing day, my liking for it grew stronger and stronger.

It was a strange and wonderful feeling, one that I had never experienced before.

And I knew that I would cherish this strange thing for a long time to come.

July 15,2025
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December of Drama 2015, day fifteen

"The other night we went to see Sam's play,

(Doin' the things that we want to)

It was very physical. It held you to the stage.

(Doin' the things that he wants to)
"
--Doin' the Things that We Want to, by Lou Reed

Alright, perhaps it's time I began using relevant lyrics to commence my reviews. I'm fairly certain that song pertains to a different Sam Shepard play, yet it still has an uncanny applicability to this one. You simply cannot tear your gaze away. "Buried Child" is both poetic and astonishing, brutal and unyielding. As surreal as it can be, it still exudes an air of complete authenticity, mirroring a universal truth regarding the way families interact (or misbehave). There are truly remarkable scenes, accompanied by some incisive dialogue. Of course, personally, with my rather dark philosophy, I mostly identified with Dodge's cynicism. However, it's easy to understand why this play might be a favorite among actors - every character has their shining moments. Gary Sinise apparently directed a revival, and it's no wonder he was drawn to it. It's an instant classic that will continue to captivate audiences for years to come.
July 15,2025
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Dark, dated, but probably fun for actors to act in.

This description seems to capture the essence of a particular setting or script. The darkness might add an element of mystery and intrigue, while the dated aspect could give a sense of nostalgia or a unique historical context.

For actors, such a role could be a great opportunity to explore different emotions and characters. They might enjoy bringing to life the complex personalities and relationships that are often found in such dark and dated stories.

Moreover, the challenge of working within the limitations of the setting and the script could also be exciting for actors. It would require them to use their creativity and imagination to make the most of the situation and deliver a memorable performance.

In conclusion, while the description of "dark, dated, but probably fun for actors to act in" might not sound immediately appealing to everyone, it holds great potential for actors who are looking for a unique and challenging role.
July 15,2025
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I have an abundance of notes regarding this book.

Primarily, it is just about how extremely chaotic the entire thing was.

From beginning to end, the story seemed to be a whirlwind of events, with characters and plotlines交织在一起 in a rather disorderly fashion.

However, despite this chaos, I find myself loving it.

There is something about the wild and unpredictable nature of the book that keeps me engaged and eager to turn the next page.

Maybe it's the element of surprise that each new chapter brings, or perhaps it's the unique way in which the author has crafted this world.

Either way, I can't help but be drawn to this book, flaws and all.

It's a chaotic masterpiece that I will continue to cherish and explore.
July 15,2025
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In this story, we witness just how deeply unsettled each and every character truly is.

There seems to be no one who is truly okay, perhaps with the sole exception being the release of the long-held secret.

However, even this glimmer of relief is quickly overshadowed by the resentment that festers within every single interaction.

It is as if a poison has seeped into the very fabric of their relationships, causing bitterness and animosity to grow with each passing moment.

The characters are constantly at odds with one another, their emotions raw and unfiltered.

We can sense the underlying tension in their words and actions, and it becomes clear that this resentment will have far-reaching consequences for all involved.

As the story unfolds, we are left to wonder if there is any hope for these characters to find peace and resolution, or if they will continue to be consumed by their own resentment.
July 15,2025
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The last curtain was my favorite because of the emptiness it had.

The first curtain, in my opinion, had a lot of character introduction and such, and only its end created the desired crisis.

Therefore, its initial pages seemed superfluous to me as it could have expressed these character traits later on.

In conclusion, the structure and content of these curtains had different impacts on my perception.

The last one stood out for its simplicity and the sense of mystery it evoked, while the first one could have been more streamlined to enhance its overall effectiveness.

This analysis shows how different elements within a story can influence the reader's experience and interpretation.
July 15,2025
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I've heard about this play a while ago.

A friend went to watch it and left the theatre perplexed about it.

I decided to read a little about Sam Shepard's work, and then it all started to fit.

Buried Child is an extremely dark and twisted play. It delves into themes such as adultery, betrayal, murder, and even incest.

But it's deeper than just these subjects. The dysfunctional family in the play has a secret buried deep within.

This secret will soon be revealed after so much ploughing of the arid terrain in which it was buried.

It's an incredible play for anyone who wants to be shocked by the extreme family dysfunctionality and the hidden secrets.

As the quote goes, “You can't force a thing to grow. You can't interfere with it. It's all hidden. It's all unseen. You just gotta wait til it pops up out of the ground. Tiny little shoot. Tiny little white shoot. All hairy and fragile. Strong enough. Strong enough to break the earth even. It's a miracle.” This quote seems to capture the essence of the play, where the truth slowly emerges, like a tiny shoot breaking through the hard ground.

Overall, Buried Child is a thought-provoking and disturbing play that will leave a lasting impression on its audience.
July 15,2025
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The play was an ordinary one and was a sample of the American plays of the 20th century whose famous playwrights are Arthur Miller and Tennessee Williams... But it is interesting how much Americans at that time were concerned about the family and how much the play dealt with the issues within the family.

In this play, we can see the complex relationships and conflicts among family members. It reflects the real life situations and emotions of the people at that time.

The playwright might have wanted to show the importance of family and how the problems within it can affect everyone.

Maybe through this play, the audience could better understand their own families and find ways to solve the problems.

Overall, although it was an ordinary play, it had its own charm and significance in representing the American family life of the 20th century.
July 15,2025
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Pretty much astonishing! The overall experience was truly remarkable. However, the ending left a bit to be desired. It was a bit confusing and seemed rather rushed. There were some loose ends that could have been tied up more neatly. Despite this, I still found myself liking it in general. The story had its own charm and kept me engaged throughout. The characters were well-developed and the plot had its fair share of twists and turns. It was a pity that the ending didn't quite live up to the expectations set by the rest of the narrative. But perhaps this is what makes it memorable, as it leaves room for interpretation and discussion. Overall, it was a worthwhile read and I would recommend it to others who enjoy a good story with a bit of mystery and excitement.

July 15,2025
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Shelved under the category of "girl-white-ppl-families-fucked-upisms", this article delves into the complex and often overlooked aspects of such relationships. It explores how being a girl within a white family can bring about a unique set of challenges and experiences. The fucked-upisms might range from issues of identity and self-esteem to the dynamics within the family itself. There could be expectations that are placed upon the girl simply because of her gender and the cultural context of a white family. These expectations might not always be healthy or conducive to her growth and well-being. The article aims to shed light on these often hidden aspects and encourage a deeper understanding and discussion about the fucked-upisms that can occur within such family structures.

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