ABSTRACT
This chapter covers a brief introduction to the life and work of Bruce Hlibok and includes his play, WomanTalk, and its production history. Molly, a frumpy Deaf housewife, barges into the kitchen of a stranger’s house and helps herself to a cup of coffee (a recurring motif of comfort and domesticity). Sandra, a spunky Deaf woman home from work as a stripper, is absolutely flabbergasted by this abrupt intrusion. She demands that Molly leave at once but is ignored. Molly blurts out a confession that her husband, a professional hitman, abuses her. Sandra reluctantly sympathizes and offers blunt advice. After some time, Molly also shares her own history of abuse. After learning that they have much in common in the way of domestic violence, the two women form a friendship. Sandra suggests that Molly seek revenge by murdering her savage husband. Sandra ends up helping Molly dispose of her dead husband’s body. The play closes with a phone call from Sandra’s brutish ex-husband. Molly – coming up with a reversal of schemes – recommends that Sandra invite him over.
