Sarah Kane

So recently I've discovered the harrowing yet amazing work of Sarah Kane. From my first read of Blasted, I was both taken aback yet deeply moved by the sheer, unadulterated honesty. The bleakness of the writing is something which I take to be a complete honesty. A truth that is uncomfortable to digest, yet is absolutely necessary. After reading Blasted, I researched a background to her works and read various articles people had written about her. I then encountered Psychosis 4.48, which I take to be the most harrowing, yet possibly one of the beautiful pieces of writing I have ever read. I think what struck me, again, was its sheer honesty. Never before had I encountered a play which was so unafraid, so honest that it almost seemed as though she never thought anyone would read it. But to me, I found this encapsulating, as it was not obscured by a invisible barrier between author and work, rather, it felt as though the author truly was the work. I think that is why Kane took me by surprise. Perhaps it was just the sheer honesty through which such sordid content matter is portrayed, which makes her work so unique and fascinating. I also found one of her short films on youtube; Skin. This, again, although a painful watch, really moved me. I was sat there forcing myself to watch gruesome scenes which I would've otherwise turned away from, if I didn't find the message so poignant. I feel like this is a trend with Kane, and perhaps part of her agenda; the idea that we so seldom see political or personal issues for how they really are, rather we have a tendency to beautify and sensationalise rather barbaric acts. Whether it be abusive relationships, or media portrayals of violent crimes, to actually be forced to face the unadulterated reality of a world that is far less than pretty, a certain level of truth is revealed which in turn becomes cathartic.