←Recommendations of Art Duty

  • Jarred Corona: Art Duty by Daniel Prillaman
    “

    The sudden violence in this piece makes me think of the excellent film Children of Men. The comedy reminds me of Urinetown. But this play is uniquely its own. I would never think a tense dystopian piece would suddenly mention vore--that sent me cackling. Prillaman is a master craftsman, deftly weaving tension and release at all the best moments, never letting you guess when the comedy might turn explosive or devastating. Art, even vapid, stupid art, can save us. It's a respite from that desire to die. What lengths do we go to protect it? To admire it? To live?

    The sudden violence in this piece makes me think of the excellent film Children of Men. The comedy reminds me of Urinetown. But this play is uniquely its own. I would never think a tense dystopian piece would suddenly mention vore--that sent me cackling. Prillaman is a master craftsman, deftly weaving tension and release at all the best moments, never letting you guess when the comedy might turn explosive or devastating. Art, even vapid, stupid art, can save us. It's a respite from that desire to die. What lengths do we go to protect it? To admire it? To live?

    ”
  • Mackenzie Raine Kirkman: Art Duty by Daniel Prillaman
    “

    The world of Art Duty is fictional (sort of) and familiar (completely) because of Prillaman's delicate control over the piece and the tiny scraps of information we can wring from this tight script rife with dry humor. Here we're given scenes, tidbits, thoughts, and moments to consider. No answers (the security isn't here to give answers, after all) but I don't think you'd want them. Real art is for art's sake, real art owes you nothing. Real art exists and this is a play that truly just exists in the most brilliant of ways.

    The world of Art Duty is fictional (sort of) and familiar (completely) because of Prillaman's delicate control over the piece and the tiny scraps of information we can wring from this tight script rife with dry humor. Here we're given scenes, tidbits, thoughts, and moments to consider. No answers (the security isn't here to give answers, after all) but I don't think you'd want them. Real art is for art's sake, real art owes you nothing. Real art exists and this is a play that truly just exists in the most brilliant of ways.

    ”
  • Sasha Karuc: Art Duty by Daniel Prillaman
    “

    How does art mutate under capitalism?

    The world Prillaman creates stretches this concept to the extreme—to uncomfortable, comedic, and horrifying ends—yet it’s not too far removed from our own.

    There is a hypnotic rhythm to the scenes. Even when they result in absurd acts of violence, the chiming of the clock propels you forward into the next. And the characters—a dazzling assortment of people with a variety of memorable entrances and exits—make it come to life in the most spectacular way.

    ART DUTY is sure to stay with you long after you’ve read it.

    How does art mutate under capitalism?

    The world Prillaman creates stretches this concept to the extreme—to uncomfortable, comedic, and horrifying ends—yet it’s not too far removed from our own.

    There is a hypnotic rhythm to the scenes. Even when they result in absurd acts of violence, the chiming of the clock propels you forward into the next. And the characters—a dazzling assortment of people with a variety of memorable entrances and exits—make it come to life in the most spectacular way.

    ART DUTY is sure to stay with you long after you’ve read it.

    ”