Tab Article

Ratings: ★★★★☆ (4.1/5)
Genre: Drama, French Literature, Existentialism, Avant-Garde

Book Review:
''Deathwatch'' (Haute Surveillance) is a powerful and unsettling play from the mind of the French literary iconoclast, Jean Genet. Known for his provocative explorations of crime, sexuality, and societal outcasts, Genet delivers a tense and psychologically charged drama that is as captivating as it is disturbing.

This Faber edition presents Bernard Frechtman's translation, which captures the raw, poetic, and often shocking intensity of Genet's language. The play delves into the dynamics of power, desire, and identity within a claustrophobic setting, showcasing Genet's ability to find beauty and meaning in the margins of society.

As a key work in the avant-garde and existentialist traditions, ''Deathwatch'' is essential reading for those interested in challenging and thought-provoking theatre. It stands as a testament to Genet's genius and his unparalleled ability to confront the darkest corners of the human psyche.