a photograph: lovers in motion

See it if you want to see Ntozake Shange's work adapted and directed by her sister with nice music compositions and interesting choreography.

Don't see it if you do not like conflict and a central character who uses people to no end. An extremely long first act at almost 2 hours is difficult.

See it if You want to see top rate acting

Don't see it if If you are patient because it’s slow!

See it if you enjoy great poetry, great writing and great choreography and are willing to suspend your evaluation of the subject

Don't see it if you think a show embracing misogyny and abuse, especially by a great writer, has any place on stage in 2020.

Also I had to remind myself that if this play had been written by a young woman today I would skewer her for embracing and forgiving an abusive mate. Even codependence, as displayed in this work, is not an excuse for an author not showing the price for the lack of discernment on the part of her protagonist. It may be "real", but it is unacceptable.

The language and choreography are beautiful and the rejection of the male friend who might actually respect a mate might still be a common occurrence, but those decisions require negative consequences - even Carousel, which embraces a completely misogynic view of women, understood that.

The conclusion here was dated even in 1977 when the play debuted. Ntozake Shange should have given her sister permission to "correct" the final scene.... Read more Read less

See it if You love the writings of Ntozake Shange with her poetic phrasing and floral dialogue. Actors did a great job with the material given.

Don't see it if Direction and staging plays is an integral part of your personal enjoyment. This play was way too long and needs editing.

Also I have always been a admirer of the late Ntozake Shange writings, however this play was very disappointing.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see a 1977 period piece with occasional powerful interludes of prose; don't cringe at some outdated female 'archetypes,"

Don't see it if you expect that this revised, refocused version of a 40 year old play to be an improvement over the original

Also Many technical glitches marred the show last night & made the evening stretch to 3 hours. Much unpreparedness & hustle and bustle by the crew -Half the audience left after the 2 hour first act. ( The second act was better)I loved the music but it was often too loud & overpowered the spoken word. I hope they condense and improve this because Shange's prose can be transcendent if highlighted & given the right staging. That being said, I LOVE Theatre 80 St Marks, a wonderful piece of old New York and I am so glad it has been preserved. I've seen many shows there. Expect low ceilings, rickety stairs, uncomfortable seats & an ancient speakeasy bar in the lobby.... Read more Read less

See it if you like poetic language performed by a strong cast

Don't see it if you don’t like quasi-stereotype characters or misogynistic men

See it if You like overacting, unnecessary dancing and movement, simple story line made to be confusing

Don't see it if You do not like overacting, unnecessary dancing and movement, simple story line made to be confusing

See it if You're a fan of Ntozake Shange, whose works can be profane but difficult

Don't see it if You're not ready to think a little during the performance

See it if You have nothing else to do. They made you stand and wait for 15 minutes after the scheduled show time before allowing you in to be seated.

Don't see it if Value your time

See it if Great acting. The actors were energetic and passionate with lyrical words.

Don't see it if Saw during previews- the lighting was off sometimes. It was way too long and people started to leave.

See it if Set in San Francisco in the 70s, this play offered an opportunity to reminisce of days gone by.

Don't see it if You don't like long plays. Needs additional editing.

See it if You want to see a period piece by Ntozake Shange. Although it does run a bit long, the acting is excellent and Ntozake’s voice rings true.

Don't see it if You don’t want to sit for a very long piece, specifically one with a specific style and rhythm.

See it if you want a creative energetic look at the Black art scene in ‘70’sSF. Ifa Bayeza’s adaptation brings new info to Ntozake’s artistic process

Don't see it if you don’t like small theater that ties everything up in a neat package. The play needs editing, there are loose ends but hey it’s THEATER!

See it if You like great acting, a riveting story and jazz, dance, drama and comedy all in a shaker!

Don't see it if You don’t like music and dance mixed with drama and comedy.

Also Excellent cast. Great performances. Wonderful direction and dance. Kudos to director Ifa Bayeza for revitalizing Ntozake Shange’s classic work.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to experiance a play that very much puts you back in the 1970s.

Don't see it if you want an absorbing story.

See it if don't mind a long play.

Don't see it if you expect a fast paced story.

Also It started 30 minutes late, a lot of technical issues especially the lighting, the lighting crew kept whispering/talking to each other during the show that can be heard by the audience. It says the duration of the show is 1h 30m, but the first part of the show was already longer than that. Overall, good acting by the 5 talented performers, nice set/lighting design, average music selection.... Read more Read less