Downstate

Whenever we hear the words "child molester," our imaginations immediately conjure the worst case scenario, but Bruce Norris asks us to consider the many different actions grouped under that particular label, as well as the varying circumstances leading to individuals being branding of with that stigma, the severity of punishment meted out on the perpetrators, the opportunity for exploitation by interested parties taking advantage and the illusion of successful re-integration into a hostile society.

Downstate, premiering at Steppenwolf amid civil furor, still needs some fine-tuning, but by the time it moves to the National Theatre in London, its enlightened arguments should spark many a post-show discussion.