The Living

“Beautifully written… There is light of understanding cast on the human condition in this play. That light concerns the simple heroism of people who do not abandon their fellows in the dark hours.”

Marilynne S. Mason, Christian Science Monitor

   “Set in London as the Black Plague sweeps the city claiming more than 100,000 lives, THE LIVING is not about death. Rather this remarkable, riveting drama is a compelling confirmation of life.” 

Sandra Dillard-Rosen, The Denver Post

   “Fascinating… THE LIVING is a play both clever and thoughtful…. With a fine wit and a keen irony.”

Richard Christiansen, Chicago Tribune

   “Haunting revives the plague time with often chilling vividness… The drama would be interesting even if there were no modern parallel. The play remains intellectually engrossing and, ultimately, gut-wrenchingly affecting.”

Aileen Jacobson, Newsday

   “This intelligent and cumulatively affecting drama…discovers the hope and humanity shining inside the black shroud.”

Steven Winn, San Francisco Chronicle

   “Aided by Clarvoe’s enticing dialogue and grim humor…we see that beneath all the turmoil and death, there exists a simple humanity that saves souls and restores faith.”

Mary Houlihan-Skilton, Chicago Sun-Times

   “A rich, dynamic play…laced with oddly beautiful metaphors for tragedy…. Do heed this reminder to keep breathing during the full force of the action.

Patricia Corrigan, St Louis Post-Dispatch

   “As much a drama of ideas as it is a drama of passion and compassion, it unfolds in a series of Shakespeare-like scenes that follow a handful of characters through the darkest months of the plague.… Clarvoe writes with wit and intelligence.“

Marion Garmel, Indianapolis Star

   “As a tale of human heroism and cowardice, pitilessness and compassion, medical sleuthing and political expediency, it cannot be beat…. Clarvoe’s most potent idea has been to prohibit the characters from touching one another. Not even a piece of paper is handed directly from one person to another; everything is arranged to prevent human contact. So the ending is really miraculous.” 

Judith Green, San Jose Mercury News