I just enjoyed a great production of Chelsea Woolley’s “Paint Me This House of Love” at Burning Coal Theatre in Raleigh, NC. Brilliant dialogue with poignant humor, dealing with estrangement as a family unexpectedly becomes reacquainted with a father who has been absent for twenty-five years. The play has unexpected twists and turns as we discover the lies that have been told and that continue to complicate the relationships, particularly between father and daughter.

The rhythm of Woolley's dialogue works to brilliant effect in this intimate, thrilling play of estrangement and what comes after. The jagged, quick phrases betray so much feeling, the evasions often feel more meaningful than the words they don't say. A poignant and expertly written play that stings.