Vicious Circle

'Peering into the labyrinth of Mexico's justice system in the 1970s, Vicious Circle could have been written yesterday. Mexican playwright José Agustín skillfully integrates enduring themes relevant in contemporary Mexico-drugs, crime, and corruption-to weave together an unenviable prisoner's dilemma for four young hippies who find themselves between the rock and hard place that was Mexico's unforgiving Lecumberri prison, where Agustín found his inspiration. Exceptionally translated in the parlance of a heady time, this adaptation will find welcoming audience among English speakers fascinated by the counter-culture era that gave birth to the modern day war on drugs.'David A. Shirk, University of San Diego, CA'Eric W. Vogt's translation of José Agustín's Círculo vicioso is a masterpiece. The bilingual format and superb glossary facilitate serious study for translators and interpreters who work with the language of the underworld in Spanish and English.'Elena R. Rojas, Newport Beach, CA'Serious reading of this play could foster productive cross-border discussions among professionals in the criminal justice systems of the US and Mexico.'Hon.Judge Runston Maino, San Diego, CA