Here's where I break out what most will consider hyperbole but will prove to be, in actuality, factual.
The Pillowman (Martin McDonagh) - Occasionally I am in a movie theatre and upon the conclusion of a film I am left completely satisfied and completely in awe of what I have just witnessed. I likely believe the last time this occurred was during There Will Be Blood. While I have been floored while reading or listening to music I have never really experienced this feeling before when dealing with literature. I've gotten damn close and my feelings for Poe, The Odyssey, the two Wilder Plays, and a couple of Albee ones are notable examples, but nothing rivals my reaction to Martin McDonagh's The Pillowman. He pulls out all the stops in spectacular fashion. Witty, funny, utterly disturbing, emotional, packed with fully developed characters, and a plot that, while rather short, had me engaged from the first line to the very last stage direction. Gut wrenchingly tragic yet undeniably beautiful and incredibly funny throughout, the play is a masterwork that should not and cannot be missed by anyone with an sort of interest in theatre, the macabre, or literature in general. As the final few pages of the Third Act passed by I was nearly unable to finish the play as I had almost been brought to tears. I cannot really discuss or say much more without giving things away and while I could talk about the brilliant structure, sharp dialogue, and declare that, after only seeing In Bruges and reading this play that Martin McDonagh is likely the most captiviating writer currently working, I will simply say read it, see it (something I pray to have the chance to do at some point in the future), or do both if at all possible. It's an experience unlike any I have ever had.
A+ or 4.99