Topdog/Underdog

Responding to Dr. Feltcher's post Topdog/Underdog by Suzan-Lori Parks 

I enjoyed Topdog/Underdog a lot. The theatrical aspects bringing in magic card tricks was a genius idea. This play brings together two theatrical mirrors connecting Lincoln's assassination and the three card Monte game. Both of these connect through a rigged game where the card holder always is in charge and Lincoln always makes it easy for the customer to shoot. Having these games rigged allows the dealer to make the choice of what happens next. Lincoln and the Dealer are in complete control of the favor of the game. The switch of the game happens when it reflect back to the assassination of Lincoln by Booth. The customer always wins and when Booth sets up and points the gun at Lincoln's head, Lincoln has no choice then but not to move. This mirrors the real assassination of  Lincoln. Also in the end when Lincoln's boss replaces him with a wax figure shows the defeat of Lincoln. And all because of budget cuts. And the dealer on the other hand never lets a customer win. His tricks on his customers is his hunger for their money.