Death Tax at Redtwist Theatre

Chicago Reader - Not Recommended

"...There's not a lot director Rinska Carrasco-Prestinary or her earnestly overwrought cast can do. So: No e-mail, even though it's 2010. And: Tina bars her patient Maxine's (unnamed) daughter from visiting and unnamed daughter accepts this, not because there is any reason she should, but because she has her own monologue to deliver. I could list more examples, but I'm running out of words and patience. Hnath does explain some things. There's a lot of "It is 2010. I am a nurse. I am in a hospital room" exposition. Death, taxes, and family are the stuff of great drama. But not when the drama would suffocate if the plot holes were sewn up."

Chicago On the Aisle - Highly Recommended

"...Lucas Hnath’s dark, wry and bitter play “Death Tax” unfolds like a recitation of humankind’s less savory qualities. Duplicity probably tops the list here, but there’s also ample place for avarice, covetousness, vanity and exploitative guilt. Remarkably enough, this brilliant 90-minute descent into the lower depths of human behavior is as fascinating as it is dismaying – and it’s imbued with visceral truth by a wholly immersed, intimate ensemble at Redtwist Theatre."

Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended

"...Deep, dark, and distressing, "Death Tax" is a shockingly astute take on the role of love versus money when a close relative requires necessary healthcare. The immediate story is about an elderly woman's demand for skilled nursing at a time in her life when she is the most dependent and helpless: during a serious illness close to the point of dying."

Chicago Theatre Review - Recommended

"...In terms of emotional moments and exploration of complicated themes, the play excels. In terms of narrative, it falls a little short for me. The arc of the story itself isn’t resolved on stage as much I would like it to be. That said, the experience of the play was certainly very enjoyable and thought provoking. Delivered by the quality of actors I’ve come to expect from Red Twist, I enjoyed this production very much."