Short Eyes - (Mermaid Dramabook) by Miguel Piñero (Paperback)

About the Book

"This powerful portrayal of prison life is set in the dayroom of a house of detention where a group of young convicts--predominantly black or Puerto Rican--taunt, fight, insult, and entertain one another in an attempt to preserve their sanity and create a semblance of community. When a young white prisoner accused of child molesting is thrown into the cell block by a guard who threatens him, saying that he should be in Sing Sing because "the men up there know what to do with degenerates like you," the stage is set for the explosive events that follow. For, among prisoners, a child molester, called 'short eyes" in prison slang, is the lowest, most despicable of criminals."--Page 4 of cover.

Book Synopsis

Winner of the New York Drama Critics Circle Award

This powerful drama of prison life is set in a house of detention where a group of young convicts-predominantly black and Puerto Rican-taunt, fight, insult, and entertain one another in an attempt to preserve their sanity and to create a semblance of community. When a young white prisoner accused of child molesting is thrown into the cell block by a guard who says he belongs in Sing Sing because "the men up there konw what to do with degenerates like you," the stage is set for an explosive series of events; for, among prisoners, this child molester called "short eyes" is the lowest of criminals.

Review Quotes

"An authentic, powerful theatrical piece that tells you more about the anti-universe of prison life than any play outside the work of Jean Genet." --Jack Kroll, Newsweek

"Mr. Piñero writes very well indeed. His dialogue sizzles with truth." --Clive Barnes, The New York Times

About the Author

Miguel Pinero, once a burglar, mugger, shoplifter, and drug addict, began writing when serving a five-year sentence in Sing Sing for armed robbery. He was discovered and encouraged by Marvin Felix Camillo, who conducted a drama workshop at the prison. Camillo's workshop grew into an acting company of ex-convicts called "The Family," members of which made up most of the cast in Joseph Papp's premiere production of Short Eyes in 1974. Mr. Pinero died in 1988.