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Romance - Acting Edition

david mamet

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Pulitzer Prizeâ winning playwright David Mametâ s Romance is an uproarious, take-no-prisoners courtroom comedy that gleefully lampoons everyone from lawyers and judges, to Arabs and Jews, to gays and chiropractors.
Itâ s hay fever season, and in a courtroom a judge is popping antihistamines. He listens to the testimony of a Jewish chiropractor, whoâ s a liar, according to his anti-Semitic defense attorney. The prosecutor, a homosexual, is having a domestic squabble with his lover, who shows up in court in a leopard-print thong. And all the while, a Middle East peace conference is taking place. Masterfully wielding the argot of the courtroom, David Mamet creates a world in microcosm in which shameless fawning, petty prejudices, and sheer caprice hold sway, and the noble apparatus of law and order degenerates into riotous profanity.

72 pages, Paperback

First published January 1,2005

This edition

Format
72 pages, Paperback
Published
August 14, 2007 by Dramatists Play Service, Inc.
ISBN
9780822221272
ASIN
0822221276
Language
English

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About the author

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david mamet

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David Alan Mamet is an American author, essayist, playwright, screenwriter and film director. His works are known for their clever, terse, sometimes vulgar dialogue and arcane stylized phrasing, as well as for his exploration of masculinity.

As a playwright, he received Tony nominations for Glengarry Glen Ross (1984) and Speed-the-Plow (1988). As a screenwriter, he received Oscar nominations for The Verdict (1982) and Wag the Dog (1997).

Mamet's recent books include The Old Religion (1997), a novel about the lynching of Leo Frank; Five Cities of Refuge: Weekly Reflections on Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy (2004), a Torah commentary, with Rabbi Lawrence Kushner; The Wicked Son (2006), a study of Jewish self-hatred and antisemitism; and Bambi vs. Godzilla, an acerbic commentary on the movie business.

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Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 29 votes)
5 stars
12(41%)
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29 reviews All reviews
Profile Image for Kimberly .
yuyqe
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Hilarious and blistering social commentary is what this play offers, delving into the hidden, inner lives of those who seem ordinary. David Mamet can be likened to Seth McFarland or Matt Stone in the theatre world. He is not afraid to use comedy as a means to piss off or offend anyone.

This particular play focuses on the concept of “peace”. It explores peace at home, peace of mind, and most significantly, peace in the Middle East. The message is crystal clear. If we could all take a moment to “realign ourselves” and become aware that the imbalance in our lives often exists more in our minds, then we would all get along so much better.

By highlighting these various aspects of peace, Mamet forces us to think about our own lives and the world around us. His unapologetic approach to comedy makes us laugh while also making us uncomfortable, which is the mark of truly great social commentary. Whether we like it or not, his plays have the power to make us question our beliefs and assumptions, and perhaps even inspire us to make positive changes in our lives and in the world.

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HenX
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Mamet might be attempting to convey a certain message here, yet it becomes muddled within his self-indulgent dialogue. There is an abundance of talking, but not much actual action taking place. Some of it manages to be humorous, such as the defense attorney's unwavering and unchanging plea for a bit of faith in the plan for peace. However, some of it is only superficially caustic, like the man's penchant for using slurs. And then there is some that is painfully unfunny, for instance, the judge has a few good moments, but they are very few and far between.

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Rudyr
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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This might be a rather funny staged production.

When you read it, you might think, "Eh. It's alright."

However, it's not the highly powerful work by Mamet that one was anticipating.

Perhaps there were certain expectations set due to Mamet's reputation, but this particular piece didn't quite live up to those lofty standards.

It had its moments of humor, which could potentially entertain some audiences.

But in comparison to what one might have hoped for from such a renowned playwright, it fell a bit short.

Nevertheless, it still has its own charm and may be enjoyed by those who approach it with an open mind and a sense of humor.

Overall, while it's not the masterpiece some were waiting for, it's still a valid piece of work that offers a unique theatrical experience.
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SBYTD
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Pretty funny indeed!

The content, however, was a bit on the harsh side and also a little too silly for some tastes.

Nonetheless, the movie was well directed, with the director skillfully guiding the story and creating an engaging atmosphere.

The acting was also top-notch, with the well-known actors bringing their characters to life in a vivid and believable way.

Despite its flaws in the content department, the overall quality of the direction and acting made it an enjoyable watch.

It had its moments of laughter and entertainment, which is what many people look for in a movie.

Perhaps with a bit more refinement in the content, it could have been an even better film.

But as it stands, it still manages to provide a good dose of fun and entertainment.
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PK_The_Esper
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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The play we watched was a bit of a mixed bag.

On one hand, it had some really funny moments that had the audience roaring with laughter. The actors did a great job of bringing the comical characters to life and their timing was on point.

However, on the other hand, it also felt a bit dated. Some of the jokes and storylines seemed a bit old-fashioned and didn't quite resonate with the modern audience.

Despite this, it was still an enjoyable evening of entertainment. The play had its charm and it was nice to see a live performance.

If they were to update some of the elements and bring it more in line with current trends, it could potentially be an even better show.

Overall, it was a funny play that had its flaws but still managed to provide some good laughs.
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Umezono
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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For a comedic play, it's largely devoid of humor.

It starts off rather flat, with not many laughs to be had in the early going. However, it does pick up a little at the midpoint with some good jokes that manage to bring a few smiles. But other than that brief moment of levity, I found this play a bit disappointing.

This was my first time reading David Mamet. I was really looking forward to experiencing his comedic genius, but unfortunately, this particular work didn't quite hit the mark for me.

Nevertheless, I'm still eager to dive into his other works. I'm hoping that with better luck, I'll be able to discover the true brilliance that I've heard so much about. Maybe the next play will be the one that really makes me laugh out loud and leaves a lasting impression.

Only time will tell, but for now, I'll keep my expectations high and see where this literary journey takes me.
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MelodyKondrael
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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After seeing the play at the Taper in '05 (with the fabulous Ed Begley, Jr.), I was truly intrigued.

I simply had to read this and attempt to understand the mind from which these characters emerged. Mamet is, without a doubt, a pure genius. (Just think about "Glengarry Glen Ross" - it's a masterpiece!)

All I can say (without spoiling anything) is that the entire comedy unfolds in a courtroom. It involves racial slurs, perhaps some drug use, and an insane misuse of justice. But astonishingly, it also seems to offer a resolution for the Middle East peace process. Who would have thought it could be that simple?

It's truly amazing. I highly recommend reading it. And if you never have the opportunity to see it performed live, don't despair. You can even create your own puppet show and bring it to life. It is one of his very best works. It demonstrates that Mamet will endure the test of time with his literary works of art, just as beautifully as Tennessee Williams did.

His talent and creativity are truly remarkable and continue to captivate audiences and readers alike.
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Kns-
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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A farce on people’s hatred of the other.

This kind of farce is a reflection of the deep-seated animosity and prejudice that exists within society. It shows how easily people can be divided and pitted against each other based on differences.

The focus on this hatred explains why abuse and stereotypes are often used to drive the humor. By making fun of others in a derogatory way, some people try to feel superior and boost their own egos.

However, this kind of humor comes at a cost. It can further fuel the flames of hatred and division, leading to more conflict and misunderstanding.

We need to be more aware of the impact of our words and actions and strive to build a more inclusive and harmonious society. Instead of using humor to tear others down, we should use it to bring people together and promote understanding and acceptance.

Only then can we truly overcome the farce of people’s hatred of the other and create a better world for all.
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