The Maids
Outliers Theatre Co. presents its inaugural production, a revival of Jean Genet's beautiful and controversial play, a dazzling mirror maze of identity, status, and
cruelty.
Two sisters, Solange and Claire, struggle to believe their existence as maids is anything but subhuman. Each night they enact a secret fantasy while their mistress is away. When their attempt to destroy Madame's love affair goes awry, their hopes for transcendence grow increasingly slim. A desperate hunger for dignity drives their sadistic ritual to new depths.
Cast & Creatives (6)
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Reviews (13)
1 Critics' Review
"With a show that deals heavily in facades and power plays, putting two white men in the service of a trans woman of color has the potential to bring modern politics into a classic tale...And while Outliers’ production isn’t as groundbreaking as I’d hoped, it’s still a strong show...When Claire and Solange are left to their own devices, the dramatic tension is all in the text but lacking in performance. Parts felt like a really great scene study class, but I hoped for more." Full Review
12 Members' Reviews
See it if like thought-provoking plays, expressed by girls played by men in drag (as suggested by author) brings class struggle idea to surface.
Don't see it if you like light entretaiment, comedies, musicals etc.
See it if You like small strange intimate shows. Staging is somewhat immersive which I enjoyed.
Don't see it if Show is short but parts seem to go on forever due to 'talky' scenes with not a lot of action. No AC, which makes the setting uncomfortable.
See it if you are a fan of Genet and like intimate settings. Some good performances.
Don't see it if translation is dated. Main actors so disparate in style–don't mesh. Nelson plays as a cuckold straight guy. Hard to see a maid in there.
See it if you love this strange, ambitious play and want to see some great actors take it on and really create a great atmosphere in the room.
Don't see it if Genet is not your cup of tea and you dislike very hot theaters.
See it if you cherish strong bold performances in intimate spaces. The acting, led by James Nelson is some of best in indie theater
Don't see it if you need the A/C blasting. Theater was pretty hot and handheld fans are the only damage control. Also if you hate gender-bending casting
See it if You like Jean Genet and great texts.
Don't see it if You expect great production values.
See it if You are a fan of Cate Blanchett and an exquisite playwright!
Don't see it if You don´t like serious theater.
See it if you love master-servant dynamics laced with ironic crime mystery and some brilliant role-play monologues.
Don't see it if you don't appreciate psychodrama or if the simultaneous sexualization and hostile rejection of shame disturb you: masturbation & light BDSM.
See it if You have never seen a production of The Maids.
Don't see it if You tend to be hypercritical of shows, as this production offered nothing particularly exciting to the audience.
See it if Genet's your ace.
Don't see it if you like Aykbourn
See it if You like intelligent comedies.
Don't see it if You hate dated dialogue.
See it if You like kinky delusional characters
Don't see it if You like compelling plots