←Recommendations of Down in the Earth (With Mud and All the Worms)

Existenitalism, absurd comedy, pain and the beating of a human heart. "Down in the Earth (With Mud and ALl the Worms)" by Dan West is a beautiful rendering on an issue that will affect all of us . . . if it hasn't already (a joke!). And the conceit of two actors playing the central character is the element that carries this play from start to finish. A dark play of the heart. Kudos!

It's a comic, philosophical, and dark play at the same time. The split self and the discussion between body and soul are highly original. The dialogues are gripping. Where is Heaven? Dan West writes with great craftsmanship a play about "natural process" after all that takes place Down in the Earth. I loved it.

An existential comedy that plays upon our questions, doubts, and fears, "Down in the Earth..." does not go where I thought it might, and I'm grateful. There is a substantial amount of dread involved, and yet neither the darkness nor the laughs seem out of place. A bold and well-balanced work that rewards the reader.

Again, West effortlessly transport us to the darkest of places places, miraculously making that destination comfortable, even cozy. The conflict between body and soul has never been personified with such grace and warmth. We've all experienced it. But what about when the battle is over and all that's left is reconciliation and goodbye? Here we meet two separate yet inextricable halves of what seems to be a pretty nice guy. By the end, West has stopped and broken both our physical and spiritual hearts. Sublime!