As someone who is interested in raising public awareness of the atrocities in the DRC, especially in relation to violence against women, I found Ruined gripping, real and heart wrenching, a play which could speak to the general public and make them want to get involved in the issues. Lynn Nottage succeeded in writing a script which was able to examine the complexities of the conflict in the DRC and its horrific affect on the congolese people, in particular on women, while still allowing for humour to soften the reality of war. The characters had immense strength and ability to cope in completely traumatic situations, the actors excelled in telling their stories. Ruined is disturbing at times, but has to be to portray the truth of the war that is continuing in the DRC over metal, money and power. Women's bodies are the battlefield of which this war is fought, this play portrays the stories of these women remarkably. I would reccommend that everyone goes to see this play.