Recommended by Donna Gordon

This isn't just a play: it's a whole world of European history in film clips, and the imaginative visions of a savant. It's a great chance to review the injustices done to people in the twentieth century, and, thereby, an elegy to those who have died in wars and prison camps. It is a brilliant play, and I especially enjoyed it because I am interested in Russian history. Jeffrey Harper also places us in the smaller circle of the Stalinist interrogation rooms, and gives a very realistic picture of life behind the Berlin wall.

Very subtle approach on the subject of government by fear. It's amazing that more hasn't been written about the Berlin wall because of its historical significance. The wall, as Ms. Barclay describes, symbolizes lies and betrayal, but, even more, the misjudgments people make about other people. The tendency to see in others their faults and weaknesses, and elevate this process to the level of communistic surveillance is well revealed in this play. The effects on families is particularly devastating, as Ms. Barclay so dramatically and specifically reveals.

Anyone familiar with imprisonment, especially of family, and addiction as the cause will find this immensely moving. The point of view is very unusual and effective, although there is only one person in this play. To do this continuing monologue effectively is a "tour de force", or exceptional writing. The contrasting activities in this play are very entertaining, although the subject matter is all too relevant. This is a wonderful role for a committed actor who could really thrill an audience with this one.

I like the fact that you hit the nail on the head. You don't waste paper not getting to the point: you are direct and honest. I like the combination of past and present, it is well done. An addict always suffers from regret of the past or fear of the future, and this takes away the importance of "right now". But you solve this problem by putting Max in a hospital bed detoxing, talking to a policeman. She sees what's right in front of her, she has to see it.

This play was just the right length to prove its point. The message of the New Testament is love and tolerance. Without that, a religious message will be empty, threatening, and perhaps cruel. Though you may not like the behavior of a person, this is not a reason to hate the person. That is the message of this play, loud and clear. The dialogue is very clear and the use of the cell phone is effective and relatable. Hannah gets right to the heart of the matter and her irony is unforgettable.

This play is full of intelligent wit. The soliloquies are well-placed, and these are difficult to fit into modern drama. The subject is of endless interest to me, and probably to many college age students and others who have graduated. The themes are likely true to life, although what one writes about one chooses. The subject, in fact, seems very familiar to the writer. The references to film give the play a trendy feel, and add to the ambiguous ending. The reader can figure out the real ending himself. The main character is still doing that.