A powerful; prize-winning novella from the much-loved author of The Whale Rider; plus a moving screenplay; film stills and commentary on writing and movie making.A medicine woman - a giver of life - is asked to hide a secret that may protect a position in society; but could have fatal consequences. When she is approached by the servant of a wealthy woman; three very different women become players in a head-on clash of beliefs; deception and ultimate salvation. This compelling story tackles moral dilemmas; exploring the nature of identity; societal attitudes to the roles of women and the tension between Western and traditional Maori medicine. This book; though; is also about the richness of creativity; illustrating the way a single story can take on different lives. The original novella; Medicine Woman; has been rewritten and expanded by Witi Ihimaera to become White Lies. It has also evolved into a screenplay by internationally acclaimed director and screenwriter Dana Rotberg; which has been made into a superb film by South Pacific Pictures. Thus this book offers an intriguing insight into the process of adapting work; as well as offering new versions of this potent story.Nga Kupu Ora - Aotearoa Maori Book Awards 2013; winner of the Te Pakimaero / Fiction category
#4473279 in eBooks 2008-06-25 2008-06-25File Name: B00D60MIUQ
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Tracy Letts is the VOICE of Modern TheatreBy Jason IlgenfritzIts true. With BUG; and Superior Donuts; and August:Osage County...Letts has proven the Steppenwolf model works and grown the range of what stagecraft can be.Ill be completely honest though... I have trouble seeing anyone other than Michael Shannon when I read this.Which is not to say I havent seen other actors embody these characters; and well. And the way that Letts incorporates diegetic sound into his work...Bug is essentially a story of two people; of folie a dieux; of deep real love. And madness. And tenderness for people that havent known that in a very long time.Its a tome of where madness can lead; and how nothing is what you expect - in a REAL way; not an M. Night Shaymalan way.And; without a doubt; the one thing its NOT about is bugs.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A cult play - fantastic descent into madnessBy Joseph JarjosaBUG is an entertaining little psychological thriller with moments of humor and social satire. The play is very simple; but effective in so many ways. It throws many "clues" at you to make you question what you know about someone or some event. It kept me guessing the whole way through if what I was reading was really happening; or if it was the product of a deranged mind. All at once a twisted love story; a black comedy; and a horrifying pyschological thriller; BUG asks its audience a profound question - does reality define us; or do we define reality?0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Least Liked LettsBy James ArmstrongThis is my least favorite Tracy Letts play that Ive read or seen. The paranoia and violence are reminiscent of "Killer Joe;" but "Bug" lacks much of the other plays humor. The fact that the characters are coke addicts makes them not terribly sympathetic; though there are some very effective moments. Ultimately; the play explores how beautiful and screwed up love can be at the same time; so I give Letts points for boldness; even if this is no "August: Osage County" or "Superior Donuts."