Tooth of Crime

Synopsis

A futuristic, dystopian world driven by the chaotic energy of rock and roll, where battles for dominance are fought through music and words.

Hoss, an aging rock star, finds his position at the top threatened by a young upstart, Crow. The Tooth of Crime by Sam Shepard is a gripping and surreal drama that explores themes of fame, identity, and the inevitable cycle of rise and fall. Hoss, struggling to maintain his supremacy in a world governed by “The Game,” faces off against Crow, who represents a new, rebellious generation. The narrative unfolds in two acts, characterized by intense verbal duels and a mix of rock music and mythic imagery.

In the first act, Hoss learns about Crow’s encroachment on his territory and attempts to bolster his confidence through various means, including consulting his astrologer, Star-Man, and his drug supplier, Doc. The second act culminates in a high-stakes confrontation between Hoss and Crow, where their battle for supremacy shifts from physical violence to a poetic and verbal duel. Ultimately, Hoss’s struggle ends in his self-inflicted death, a desperate attempt to retain his dignity and authenticity in the face of inevitable obsolescence.