Ferguson

See it if You want to hear the actual words of the witnesses. This is "VERBATIM" theater which uses the words directly from the Grand Jury testimony.

Don't see it if You don't want to hear something that may challenge a strongly-held belief.

See it if You like to make your own decisions about social and political issues or are interested in how art can reveal truth.

Don't see it if You prefer conventional entertainment or are happy living in a media filter bubble and prefer not to have to think for yourself.

Also A remarkable accomplishment. I've never encountered anything like it. See it while you can.... Read more Read less

See it if Are interested in current events and race issues

Don't see it if Are looking for flashing sets or lots of action

See it if you enjoy courtroom dramas or want to learn more about this highly controversial trial.

Don't see it if you lean toward the left. This is a very conservative depiction of the trial with a specific political intent that many will not agree with.

Also This show has a very charged and controversial background. I knew the history before going into it and knew that the author and the cast had very different perspectives. That being said, I can understand why someone who didn't know that history might be put off.

The acting by those in primary roles, particularly Dunn, Brockington, and Williams, was incredibly captivating and intense. The smaller, more ancillary characters were not bad, just not as well-crafted.

The author's viewpoint is clear and when condensing the transcripts of a 24-day trial into a 90-minute theater piece, it is easy to manipulate it to tell the story you want to tell. However, agree or disagree, the actors and the director deliver on telling this story in a gripping manner and the piece is sure to spurn much discussion. I know one of the actors in it and look forward to having further discussion with him about it.... Read more Read less

See it if you want an unbiased presentation of the Ferguson shooting that sparked the "Black Lives Matter" movement.

Don't see it if you have a political agenda that leans towards the left, if you have your own opinion of current events and are un-swayed by "facts".

Also This premiere production of Ferguson has an interesting history. It was reported that during the LA reading, cast members walked out at the presented "Grand Jury Testimony" that did not fit in with their opinions.
As much as 100 minutes can, Ferguson re-enacts the Ferguson trial of a white police officer who shoots a black youth. Some witnesses say that the officer had no choice, others say that the officer shot the suspect in almost execution style. When the officer was exonerated, Ferguson erupted in violence. This play (in accordance with the facts presented at the trial) encourages you to come to your own conclusions.
Like many court room dramas, there are some slow spots, but the play makes a mad dash towards the finish line in emotional style. (Although I was wondering when lawyers took the information so emotionally...made for great acting, but was pretty unrealistic)
Ferguson is General Admission in a small theatre, so line of sight will never be an issue.... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy theater that challenges your own bias, conception of an event.

Don't see it if You like complex sets or if you don't enjoy long drawn out court trials.

See it if You want to know the facts surrounding this very publicized trial. You might be surprised by what you learn

Don't see it if You want an escape from today's political climate, or have a hard time watching court room procedures like Law and Order.

See it if You are someone who likes facts and does not take a liberal view and gets offended when the facts are not on their side. I liked the show.

Don't see it if You are unreasonably liberal and overly sensitive.

See it if are interested in factual shows about impt events happening today

Don't see it if if you are uncomfortable with race discussions

See it if You enjoy ripped from headline stories with unique angle and point of view, focusing on cop rather than victim.

Don't see it if You easily get bored by court room dramas as best part is last half hour.

See it if you want to know all the details of the trail and enjoy true-life event plays. It's a must see for everyone.

Don't see it if while thought provoking the direction could've better been laid out: less people on the stage during certain scenes & less jumping around.

See it if you want factual details regarding behind the grand jury decision not to indict the police in the Ferguson/Michael Brown tragedy.

Don't see it if want dramatic human interaction to gain insight into why the justice system and people make important decisions. You won't get that here.

See it if You enjoy docudrama.

Don't see it if You want a neutral edit of the court proceedings.

See it if you're interested in trial reenactments in general or this case in particular, or if you enjoy seeing shows still in the development phase

Don't see it if you're looking for a polished show or if you are left-leaning. The show highlights a variety of perspectives but has a clear final message

See it if You want another perspective on this tragic chapter in American history.

Don't see it if The material is very raw and emotional, not easy if you are especially sensitive to issues of race and justice in this country.

See it if You enjoy or want to experience verbatim theatre. You want to see a show with a terrific cast.

Don't see it if You are looking for an unbiased account of Mike Brown's hearing. The playwright has an agenda and 'Truth Matters' is a misnomer.

See it if You like engrossing, provocative theater. Hands Up Don’t Shoot has become a rallying cry, and wholly unrecognizable to the truth.

Don't see it if You don't have an open mind.

Also The media collaborated to have the public believe their version of what happened in Ferguson, MO. A story was concocted and spread nationwide dividing and fomenting anger.... Read more Read less

See it if You like plays about real life experiences. I liked the format it was presented in.

Don't see it if You want to see a play with full sets and written as a story. This is very much like being on jury duty.

See it if You followed the story, or you wanted to know what happen

Don't see it if Police/person crime is not moving for you

See it if Choppy, poor performances won't ruin the experience of an up to the moment, relevant commentery

Don't see it if You have preconceived idea's regarding current events, you don't like fact based shows that pull no punches

See it if you are interested in watching plays based on true events and are willing to continue the conversation. You like "legal" plots.

Don't see it if the topic is too painful to re-live it.

See it if McAleer's attempt to dramatize hot-button topic of police brutality fails to ignite; raises more questions than it can answer which is good

Don't see it if Dry grand jury testimony left unshaped & unfocused despite pro-law/order stance Acting uneven except Dunn's offending officer Darren Wilson

See it if You like courtroom presentations

Don't see it if you want to hear commentary or a position taken.

Also It would be specious to say this is not presenting point of view it is a carefully curated view 90 minutes culled from over 25 days.... Read more Read less

See it if Fantastic new perspective on a known story -- but the actors didn't know their lines! They weren't acting because they were talking

Don't see it if You want a fictional story or don't like it when people play the devil's advocate.

See it if you are interested in what happens in a grand jury room.

Don't see it if you are looking for a balanced perspective on police brutality. The playwright has a clear conservative agenda.