Death and the Maiden

Ariel Dorfman's play, set in a newly established democracy, is a three way encounter involving Paulina, her husband Gerardo who is heading a commission to investigate human rights violations by their country's former government, and Dr Miranda, a stranger who gives Gerardo a lift home after his car breaks down.

As soon as she hears his voice, Paulina is convinced that Miranda is the man who tortured her 15 years ago when she was a political prisoner. Her efforts to secure a confession from him, using the methods once employed on her, result in a taut drama which gives rise to uncomfortable questions, ambiguities and uncertainties, and raises issues that continue to be relevant in a world where torture and violation still harm the innocent and cause long-term effects on aggressor and victim alike.