Sylvia Sylvia Sylvia' Review: Plath's Ghost Haunts a Stilted New Play

The Enduring Allure – and Peril – of Literary Obsession

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Sylvia Plath's life and work continue to captivate, as evidenced by Beth Hyland's new play, 'Sylvia Sylvia Sylvia,' currently showing at the Geffen Playhouse. But the intense scrutiny of artists' lives – and the ethical questions it raises – isn't a new phenomenon. The play's premise – a contemporary writer struggling with a Plath biography – highlights the tension between the public's desire to understand the context behind art and the potential harm in excessively dissecting personal lives.

Why it matters

The debate over the boundaries of biographical inquiry is ongoing. While readers are naturally drawn to understanding the context behind art, there's a growing awareness of the potential harm in excessively dissecting personal lives. The play's depiction of Sally's mental health crisis, mirroring Plath's, underscores the risk of 'trauma tourism' in literature, where audiences actively seek out narratives centered on suffering and mental health struggles.

The details

The play's dual timeline – 1958 and the present – emphasizes the enduring relevance of these issues. The parallels drawn between Plath and Hughes and the contemporary couple, Sally and Theo, suggest that the power dynamics and creative anxieties within artistic relationships remain remarkably consistent. This blurring of lines raises questions about the universality of these experiences and the extent to which they are shaped by societal expectations.

  • The play, 'Sylvia Sylvia Sylvia,' is currently showing at the Geffen Playhouse.

The players

Beth Hyland

The playwright who wrote 'Sylvia Sylvia Sylvia.'

Sylvia Plath

The renowned American poet whose life and work continue to captivate audiences.

Ted Hughes

Plath's husband, a fellow poet whose relationship with Plath has been the subject of intense scrutiny.

Sally

A contemporary writer struggling with a Plath biography in the play.

Theo

Sally's partner in the play, representing the contemporary artistic relationship.

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What they’re saying

“Biographers are professional burglars, who break into the house of the dead, undo their locks, [and] rifle their papers.”

— Janet Malcolm, Journalist and author (The New Yorker)

The takeaway

The critical reception of 'Sylvia Sylvia Sylvia' suggests a need for more nuanced and responsible approaches to biographical storytelling. Future works may benefit from prioritizing ethical considerations, focusing on the artistic process rather than sensationalizing personal trauma, and giving voice to multiple perspectives.