Short Eyes is a play written by Miguel Piñero that was first performed in 1974. The play takes place in a prison in New York City and revolves around a group of inmates, each with their own set of problems and conflicts. The main character, Clark Davis, is a child molester and is referred to as "short eyes" by the other prisoners. As the play progresses, tensions rise among the inmates and erupt into violence, ultimately resulting in tragedy.
The play is known for its gritty realism and portrayal of life in prison. It deals with themes of racism, power, and survival, and offers a stark critique of the criminal justice system. Piñero, who was a former inmate himself, drew from his own experiences to create a vivid and harrowing portrait of life behind bars.
Short Eyes was well-received by critics and audiences alike, and was nominated for six Tony Awards in 1975, winning two. It has since become a classic of American theater, and is studied and performed around the world.
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