Family Discord and Holiday Music in "Cult of Love" and "No President"
Briefly

The opening tableau of 'Cult of Love' presents a contrast between the outward perfection of a family holiday setting and the underlying complexities of familial relationships, stemming from personal struggles and secrets.
The character dynamics establish an intense exploration of the Dahls' holiday gathering, where harmonized caroling meets deep-seated issues like addiction, separation, and bigotry, revealing a darker truth behind their festive facade.
The play's narrative cleverly unveils the tension between the jubilant holiday spirit and the characters' internal crises, showcasing a family grappling with love, judgment, and the fear of the unknown.
Headland's work highlights the ironic juxtaposition of a seemingly perfect Christmas scene against the backdrop of mental degradation, addiction, and societal prejudices, ultimately prompting audiences to question the concept of family love.
Read at The New Yorker
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