"Sticks and Bones" is a play by American playwright David Rabe, first performed in 1971. The play explores themes of war, family, and trauma, and is widely regarded as a landmark work of American theatre.
The play centers on the character of David, a Vietnam War veteran who returns home to his family after being blinded in combat. As David struggles to come to terms with his disability and the trauma of war, his family members also grapple with their own issues, including the breakdown of their relationships and the erosion of their sense of identity and purpose.
Throughout the play, Rabe uses a range of theatrical techniques to explore the characters' psychological and emotional states, including surreal imagery, fragmented dialogue, and dreamlike sequences. The play's unconventional structure and style reflect the disorientation and confusion experienced by the characters in the wake of David's return from war.
"Sticks and Bones" is a powerful and deeply affecting play that offers a searing critique of American society and the legacy of the Vietnam War. It is a testament to David Rabe's skill as a writer and his ability to capture the complexity and nuance of the human experience, particularly in the context of trauma and conflict. The play remains a seminal work of American theatre, and continues to be performed and studied by theatre practitioners and scholars around the world.
0