The Maids (The Seeing Place Theater) NYC Reviews and Tickets

69%

(32 Ratings)

Positive

60%

Mixed

31%

Negative

Members say

Slow, Great acting, Confusing, Quirky, Disappointing

About the Show

Seeing Place Theater presents Jean Genet's classic in which two sisters, maids to a wealthy society woman, act out fantasies of class, love and revenge.

Solange and Claire are two housemaids who construct elaborate sadomasochistic rituals when their mistress (Madame) is away. The focus of their role-playing is the murder of Madame and they take turns portraying both sides of the power divide. Their deliberate pace and devotion to detail guarantees that they always fail to actualize their fantasies by ceremoniously "killing" Madame at the ritual's dénouement.

Show-Score Member Reviews (32)

73%

Confusing, Dated, Quirky

See it if you enjoy existential stories

Don't see it if you need clearly laid out plots

100%

Absorbing, Great Acting, Intelligent, Relevant

See it if I went to see this play last night and it was an unexpected surprise. The cast deliver a professional representation of the material.

Don't see it if This is a small scale play in a small theater. While I prefer smaller since I think it is more immediate it might not be for everyone.

60%

Disappointing, Excruciating, Slow

See it if you want to see a production of this play specifically; want to support small theaters

Don't see it if you want something dark and edgy (the story may be, but this ain't it), want great acting, need big production value

75%

Confusing, Entertaining, Intelligent, Quirky

See it if you like plays that interlock fantasy and reality and blur the lines between where fantasy ends and reality begins.

Don't see it if you like clear linear plots and to know exactly what is REALLY happening. Are not a fan of dark comedies and intentional overacting. Read more

71%

Banal, Great Acting, Quirky, Relevant, Slow

See it if you appreciate young talent giving all to their performances. You like drama that allows you to contrast past haves and have-nots to today.

Don't see it if you want spiffy action - this ongoing plotting is not the most exciting. You have to view this pay as a product of another age.

100%

Absorbing, Enchanting, Great Acting, Profound, Resonant

See it if You want to be absorbed by timeless intrigue amidst interpersonal alliances and conflicts

Don't see it if You are looking for a Broadway musical

80%

Ambitious, Great Writing, Intelligent, Thought-Provoking

See it if you're prepared to think while watching a true classic.

Don't see it if you want to sit back and laugh. Read more

53%

Banal, Confusing, Disappointing, Excruciating, Slow

See it if You just like going to plays

Don't see it if You want a comedy or musical

Critic Reviews (1)

"There a few things that make it difficult to catch onto the absurd tone of the piece. The first is that the pacing is a bit slow in challenging places...As a director, Ms. Cronican makes excellent use of the layout of Mike Mroch’s scenic design...No material is wasted in this repertory production...I encourage support for The Seeing Place Theater because their mission is simple and clear, and evidence demonstrates their achievement of it."
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Trailer

Creative team