About ten years ago, I saw one of Richard Maxwell’s plays at PS122 in New York. On the sidewalk after the show, I remember my inscrutable playwriting professor proclaiming that Maxwell was the “East Village David Mamet.” As a fan of Maxwell’s work, I was defensive and dismissed the observation as downtown, back-handed snark. However after seeing The Evening, I’m finally seeing the connection. The Evening plays like Brecht on Quaaludes directing a Mamet short.

Betsey reads Richard Maxwell's Theater For Beginnners to a clearly mesmerized OtB staff. Get your own copy and find out what the fuss is all about. Copies of this book and some of Maxwell's other work will be available for purchase in the lobby over the performance weekend. Bonus: see the show on Friday and have your book signed by Maxwell after the post-show Q&A. 

Naomi Skwarna interviews Richard Maxwell at Hazlitt:

Did acting lack something for you?

Educate yourself: go in-depth with Maxwell's aesthetic with this paper from Theron Schmidt at academia.edu:

Jay Gabler at thetangential.com gives his views on the opening of The Evening at the Walker Art Center. Please note that this show is a fluid work and the OtB version may differ from the Walker version:

Instead of a direct interview, BOMB Magazine's John Kelsey learned a monologue (written by Maxwell) and received direction from Maxwell. Their rehearsal process became the "interview" of Maxwell's aesthetic and directing style. A taste of the rehearsal process:

Rehearsal: Part 1

(John recites the monologue)

Playwrights Richard Maxwell and Sarah Benson talk theater archetypes, death, writing, the creation of "The Evening" and much more on the Walker blog:

I know the show has evolved a lot during your process so far. What’s it become?

Here's what Seattle critics are saying so far about Devotion: