Butterfly

"All three performers are skilled at the subtle art of pantomime; there isn't even a hint of overacting...But 'Butterfly' is a strange combination of the sentimental and the brutal, a series of melodramatic twists in search of a meaningful narrative…A certain purposelessness hangs over the proceedings...You might find that 'Butterfly' possesses a certain evanescent charm. But this piece is as fragile as a butterfly's wing, and its spell is all too easily broken." Full Review

"Ramesh Meyyappan’s ‘Butterfly,’ which he created, directed, and in which he appears, is a beautifully performed, but not particularly groundbreaking piece of pantomimic theatre about a love triangle...‘Butterfly’ is impressively executed but there’s a slight fragrance of preciosity about it that prevents a deeper connection with its emotional currents. Like the insect after which it takes its name, it’s a thing of delicate beauty, but it flutters away before making a lasting impression." Full Review

"Mr. Meyyappan’s direction keeps the piece moving and accessible...Authentic and compelling performances. They bring kite-flying, butterflies, and Butterfly’s child to stunning realism – thanks to the brilliant craft of puppet maker Gavin Glover. Kudos to Ms. Livingstone whose emotional range is stunning and breathtaking...Butterfly’s loss of love and the ways she sustains herself until love reappears or reimagines makes for a wonderful story." Full Review

“Mr. Meyyappan, Ms. Livingstone and Mr. Alexander all superbly realize their characters with their fluid physicality and expressive facial expressions...The trio expertly performs Darren Brownlie’s vibrantly moody choreography...Graceful direction melds all of the narrative and presentational elements into an eerie and moving production...‘Butterfly’s’ originality, stirring performances and technical artistry give it the quality of an enchanting adult fairy tale.” Full Review

"As I’m not precisely sure of the tale I’ve just witnessed, I can only share impressions...Some or all of it may be fantasy, dream/nightmare. The men separately return and exit. Butterfly may or may not have a baby...All that’s clear is Butterfly’s pain...All three actors do a splendid job with Naomi Livingstone’s Butterfly a nuanced standout. Until things become obscure, we’re with them every step." Full Review

"An uneven, but stylish chamber work…Although the combination of techniques makes for an awkward mix, there are moments of exquisite beauty amidst the ugly violence...A puppet baby, manipulated in some measure by all three performers, somehow exudes humanity, frailty and light, making the dark ending of 'Butterfly' all the more bleak…The three actors were concentrated and intense, making each moment vivid and simple." Full Review

“'Butterfly' effortlessly swept the audience away in a sensory adventure...The movement is clean and clear, with a crisp specificity in its symbolism and a few hints at familiar sign language imagery...Gavin Glover’s puppets steal the show...The play seems to celebrate the marvel of how things are made...A lush, one-hour sensory explosion that engages us in the impact of visual theater through a tragic tale.” Full Review

“The hour-long production is rich with symbolism, European and Asian sensibilities, and movement choreographed to haunting original music...The word creative is particularly limiting if used to describe Meyyappan, especially given the way he sees and delivers life onto the stage...What becomes clear is that he is a master storyteller. Expressing all of these emotions while conveying complicated humans without words is what propels ‘Butterfly’ to soar.” Full Review

"This work of art was accomplished by a bold and creative group that had to be so in sync, they accepted Meyyappan’s reality, which was the only way this could work the way it did...The play will be very divisive. During the last moments, I saw people laughing while others were engrossed. The play takes itself very seriously, and its gloomy environment can ultimately grow thin. But what is effected for those of us that enjoy this kind of work, this was a good night for art." Full Review

"You should run not walk to see 59E59’s 'Butterfly.' This haunting dance-theater piece hits all of the emotional buttons that you want as an audience member...The direction was very precise yet still felt organic and instinctual...It was physically inspiring and emotionally jarring to watch what Livingstone's character went through...I highly suggest taking an hour out of your evening to see this one-of-a-kind dance-theater piece." Full Review

“It’s a real accomplishment that the cast effortlessly creates emotion and drama on the stage...Meyyappan’s vivid imagination has created a unique theatrical experience and pushes the boundaries of storytelling into areas untraveled. While a wordless, mimed production may seem filled with limitation, in Meyyappan’s work, they just display how strong of a storyteller he is. ‘Butterfly’ is one of those magical theater pieces that show how imagination can craft theatre." Full Review