The Half of It

Description

172 pages
$14.95
ISBN 0-88784-501-0
DDC C812'.54

Year

1990

Contributor

Reviewed by Susan Patrick

Susan Patrick is a librarian at the Ryerson Poly-technical Institute.

Review

Winner of the Floyd Chalmers Prize, this is a funny, complex, and
thought-provoking play by Governor General’s Award winner Krizanc. The
plot deals with many types of conflicts between idealistic
environmentalists and ruthless stock manipulators; between the
conventional and the radical; within family and sexual relationships;
and within the characters’ consciences.

Set within an entertaining plot with witty characters, the play tackles
one of today’s most important issues: destruction of the environment,
and consequent societal and individual responsibility. Krizanc forces
the reader to confront the moral dilemma of those who seek liberal
reforms, yet find themselves compromised by playing the establishment
game in order to achieve change.

The text is followed by an excellent critical analysis by Richard Paul
Knowles (of the University of Guelph’s Drama Department), regarding
the play’s themes and how its form reinforces them. Unfortunately, the
form’s more-surrealistic aspects may be lost on readers, who may
visualize the action in a traditionally linear form, despite the
detailed stage directions. Readers will look forward to seeing this play
produced again in the near future.

Citation

Krizanc, John., “The Half of It,” Canadian Book Review Annual Online, accessed November 11, 2024, https://cbra.library.utoronto.ca/items/show/10298.