The Maids NYC Reviews and Tickets

75%

(15 Reviews)

Positive

60%

Mixed

33%

Negative

Members say

Slow, Absorbing, Great acting, Intense, Intelligent

About the Show

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.

Member Reviews (15)

Confusing, Dated, Indulgent

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.

Dated, Strange, Slow, Disappointing, Confusing

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.

Absorbing, Edgy, Intense

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.

Great writing, Profound, Indulgent, Thought-provoking

See it if You like Jean Genet and great texts.

Don't see it if You expect great production values.

100

Riveting, Masterful, Great staging, Great acting, Absorbing

See it if A small production in size and a brilliant one in talent. Absorbing performance. Prize worthy.

Don't see it if Intimate setting is not your thing. A play within a play might not be your preference .

Absorbing, Great acting, Edgy, Intelligent, Resonant

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

Dated, Disappointing, Cliched, Banal, Slow

See it if Ready to spend hour+ wondering why....

Don't see it if You have better way of spending that time...

Absorbing, Ambitious, Enchanting, Slow, Great writing

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.

Critic Reviews (1)

"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."
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