Robert Israel
Because this “play” relies on audience participation, Vinny DePonto selects inevitably befuddled men and women from the audience on which to demonstrate his mental prowess.
“Modern dance is not a secret club. Yes, we are presenting masterpieces by a visionary 20th century artist, but we are communicating that through the greatest dancers today, and showing how that work continues to evolve.”
This is a well-honed, mostly successful script about the difficulties of making human connections — a drama about seizing the day.
The script is an experiment, a (sometimes) witty lecture on language. But it doesn’t work dramatically.
Is it possible for an outstanding actress to achieve similar heights as a playwright? The answer is yes, but with reservations.
“I believe folks coming to the theater will have a great time, they’ll learn about the Negro leagues and about a phenomenal woman.”
“We ask them to interpret the music through their own experiences, so they are connecting to and performing what Mr. Ailey called ‘blood memories’ on stage.”
“Auschwitz: Not Long Ago. Not Far Away.” is compelling, but its message feels hermetically sealed — the exhibit needs to draw crucial connections with what is going on now.
In terms of the joy that theater can provide, this Speakeasy Stage production sets the bar high.
Dramatist Lloyd Suh takes us on an inner journey by weaving silences into his script that encourage his characters (and us) to reflect and pause.
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