11 September 2001 is a play by Michel Vinaver that has been transcribed and written into a book. This controversial and daring piece of theatre was released in 2001, while the horror of September 11th was still fresh. There was a lot of debate about this play and there still is. What can be said for certain is that Michel Vinaver's last play was memorable.
This play was originally written in French, and then changed into a bilingual version to reach English-speaking audiences. A problem with this is that dialogue can occasionally become muddled and distant from the original intent. However, this play was translated well which adds to the overall message of the piece. The writers are able to elegantly use the dialogue of characters reacting to the tragic attacks of that day on the World Trade Center to create a play with a setting, plot, and climax. Not only that, but the authenticity of the play is augmented by the fact that Michel Vinaver uses quotes from journalists, politicians, and media reports from the time to create a vibrant and tangible feel of the event.
Actors in the play's ensemble do an excellent job of using aspects of theatre to mold the story of what happened on September 11th. Each actor is able to adapt to the roles of various characters, and even transition from monologues to conversations with groups of people. Additionally, the cast heavily uses music to add to the tragedy, horror, grief, shock, and chaos of various scenes. All these tones are demonstrated to the audience through expert acting and musical direction.
However, this piece does have its many critics. After being published so close to the actual event, people were still hurting from the aftermath of the terrorist attack and weren't ready for a play that seemed to so innocently describe a day of horror for them. Others blasted Vinaver for writing the play merely to make money off of the hit idea, and were critical of his greediness. Despite this, 11 September 2001 is a play that is artful, bold, and authentic in its dedication to embody one of the most tragic days in American history.
