Golden Shield NYC Reviews and Tickets
About the Show
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See it if for complicated stories - this 1 includes capitalist corporate greed, communist human rights abuse & tense family relations. Great lighting.
Don't see it if if you like less taxing entertainment at the theater-here there is a lot of dialogue both wonderfully interpreted and humorously punctuated.
See it if family loyalty has ever been an issue in your life. In a future that could be now choices become difficult as technology shapes lives.
Don't see it if you find the speculation in science fiction irritating. While the heart of the play is human, the plot is techie derived.
See it if dramatizes important political issue; features witty "translator"; good send up of self-absorbed tech guru
Don't see it if lacks focus & much 2 long; to work either needs dramatic courtroom battle or interpersonal conflict, but lacks both Read more
See it if Back and forth in time about internet, censorship, corporate greed and sister working together.
Don't see it if Slow at time and too long.
See it if acting is superb and the actor playing the translator is a standout; intriguing stories that are political, personal and corporate
Don't see it if based on a true story that I did not completely absorb; the play is confusing (act 1) and sometimes frustrating; could use a 15 minute edit. Read more
See it if You want to see a Director that really knows how to use the stage and all the lighting to their advantage
Don't see it if You are looking to sit back and relax. I found this to be very confusing and it really didn’t have to be. Read more
See it if Captivating, brainy play about China, business, tech, politics and family relations. Two Chinese-American sisters try to fight the crackdown
Don't see it if Fang Du is marvelous as The Translator, a sort of Greek chorus who narrates and translates some of the Mandarin dialogue. Fascinating drama
See it if Switching back and forth between languages and cultures reveals real feelings between pairs of characters. Some interesting cultural tidbits
Don't see it if Manages to weave a lot (tech, legal, sisters, trauma, sexuality, language/culture) but some odd, loose ends. Could use some editing/focus. Read more
Critic Reviews (12)
"A legal drama, a romance, a story of sibling estrangement, and a cautionary tale about technology and the cost of political activism. 'Golden Shield' is a lot to chew on and somehow it is not filling."
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"As I said, such a corporate-legal-domestic-bicultural-political sandwich would be better unpacked and dramatized in an episodic, visual medium. That’s where clunky, congested dialogue (forced profanity, Mametty bro banter) might be smoothed out, and international locales presented vividly, not just wheeled into the neutral space of taupe perforated walls arranged by designer dots. "
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"Despite the seeming freedom of the internet, censorship and propaganda is proliferating — not just in China but in America as well. And from ethnic cleansing to hate crimes, there have been deadly consequences in both countries. 'Golden Shield' touches on these issues without adequate space to substantively comment on them."
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"The events of 'Golden Shield' take place from 2006 to 2016, which strangely feels like a more innocent time. As our country adjusts its relationship to the increasingly belligerent regime in Beijing, we ought to reserve some scorn for its Stateside accomplices."
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"Golden Shield certainly has its bracing moments, and let's say that King has written a pretty good play that might be better if she decided which to focus on, a justifiable rant about greed and corruption or a look at familial fissures that aren't going to heal. Illuminating both proves something of a struggle."
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"It feels churlish to complain about a playwright being too ambitious. But Anchuli Felicia King doesn’t make it easy to resist the temptation with her new play receiving its American premiere courtesy of Manhattan Theatre Club. This convoluted effort interweaving corporate intrigue, legal machinations and family drama becomes further burdened with its explorations of the vagaries of the art of translation."
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Initially difficult to follow, Anchuli Felicia King’s "Golden Shield" settles down by the second act to be a taut legal thriller. The fine cast deals with the legalese and technology jargon as to the manner born. Director May Adrales has done fine work with the actors but has overcomplicated things with all of the doubling nor do the settings by dots entirely help in comprehension as the play moves backwards and forwards over a decade to many locations. This is one play that could probably be improved by another draft to simplify the plot and the context.
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"If there is one lesson though to be taken away from 'Golden Shield,' it’s that we all need to let our armor down and be honest with one another, both in how we behave and what we say."
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