3 Review(s)

"Woman on Her Own" (La Femme seule) (1902): This play explores the emotional and social struggles of a single woman, focusing on the pressures of marriage and the status of women in society. The protagonist is a woman who, after being abandoned by her husband, attempts to navigate life independently in a world that heavily scrutinizes women who do not conform to traditional gender roles. Brieux's work highlights the isolation and societal condemnation faced by women who choose to live outside the confines of traditional family structures. The play is an early example of feminist themes in theatre."False Gods" (Les Dieux sont faux) (1903): In this play, Brieux critiques the concept of idolization and the often destructive nature of human beliefs, especially regarding religion and societal norms. The narrative revolves around characters who challenge the ideals imposed on them by society and question the “false gods” they have been taught to worship. The play examines how people can blindly follow ideals, only to face consequences that reveal those ideals to be empty or false. It touches on the conflict between personal conviction and the expectations of society.