Hit the Body Alarm
Meet Satan, Eve, and two modern jailbirds in Winsome Brown's new solo show, which mixes original text with passages from Milton's 'Paradise Lost' and the writings of James Joyce.
Obie winner Brown's new show takes audiences on a wild ride from Hell to Jail with a brief stop in Paradise. As the United States stands on the brink of a major election, 'Hit the Body Alarm' explores the irrevocable decisions we make, and the permanent consequences they bring.
- Official Site
- 1 hour
- Already closed
- The Performing Garage (Soho/Tribeca)
Cast & Creatives (12)
Play a fun game
Get alerts about your favorite artists and theater companies
Reviews (17)
5 Critics' Reviews
"The show takes imprisonment as its theme...But the extracts from the classics don’t relate especially well to the monologues, and the monologues don’t relate especially well to each other or to the John Zorn music that underscores them...If the textual collage isn’t particularly engrossing, at least Ms. Brown is. She’s a spiky actress and an unaccommodating one, who prefers to needle audience members rather than oblige them." Full Review
"The magic lies in how the piece transports us to intricate fantasy worlds with just a few (seemingly) simple elements...Once one gets accustomed to the 'exposed theatrics' aesthetic, 'Hit The Body Alarm' is incredibly approachable and easy to follow. While deeply intelligent, the performance never purports to be some heady, 'holier-than-thou' experimental piece, and pairs its found texts in ways that enhance, rather than mystify or unnecessarily complicate, their meaning." Full Review
"Brown is more than capable of commanding the heavens with her powerful stage presence and the ability to wield volcanic energy…Winsome Brown created, wrote, co-directed, and performed this new piece of theatrical mythology. She clearly has great vision and the ability to draw in a team of astounding humans…Brown is just magnificent to watch in action as she expands and contracts with the universe to show us the story of how we can so easily find ourselves in black holes." Full Review
"Investigations of the human condition persist, as the performance journeys from the netherworld to the mundane...Winsome Brown approaches her monologues with candor…Brown utilizes the tech without forgetting the power of the spoken word…Co-Director Brad Rouse trades spectacle for the essential truth of the actor. Deep spiritual value is discovered. ‘Hit The Body Alarm’ is not a quest without just cause. It is plain, serious, and ripe with meaning." Full Review
"The Milton and Joyce sections are linguistically rich and resonant, and Brown revels in the language, savoring its meter and rhythm, delighting in its imagery and the myths it evokes…The shift of styles here feels right but occasionally a little show-offy…Still, that range is what enables her to strip the last two sections down to the bone…Eve and the failed-actress-turned-prisoner–and Winsome Brown–are beautiful, vulnerable, and terrible all at once, and it’s a powerful combination." Full Review
12 Members' Reviews
See it if you like Winsome Brown, one woman shows, interesting monologues about prison life and crime.
Don't see it if you don't like serious, rather arty shows.
See it if You like experimental theatre. You like poetry. You like hearing stories.
Don't see it if You dislike experimental theatre & poetry. You want a clear connection between scenes:I liked all the pieces but didn't see a connection.
See it if you love paradise lost
Don't see it if you prefer lighter theater
See it if You want a poetic, lyrical investigation into the ideas of hell and punishment.
Don't see it if You crave a narrative or clear action.
See it if you like one woman shows with poetic writing.
Don't see it if you have something better to do...
See it if You love indulgent rambling on the concept of imprisonment & Satan vs God that have been heard before & have been around since Jesus himself
Don't see it if You want to see a compelling performance art piece that has a fresh take on ancient philosophical debates and musings of Milton & Joyce.
Also Hey Everyone, I don't want to sound too down on this piece, especially... Read more Read less
See it if you want to hear beautiful words spoken beautifully. The well named Winsome Brown is a joy to watch.
Don't see it if you expect anything like a plot. The set consists of plastic drop clothes that are moved and rearranged for no reason.
See it if You enjoy the works of James Joyce and John Milton, and/or the themes of righteousness, hell, and imprisonment.
Don't see it if You're sensitive to dramatic prison themes and religious themes dealing with hell, or if you desire a show with strong plot.
See it if you're in the mood for a riveting production, featuring the great Winsme Brown, who has the range and technical ability to do anything.
Don't see it if you like only realistic paintings. Or you need plot milestones and contemporary dialogue exclusively to moor your theatre-going experience.
See it if You like amazing acting and a clever storyline and overlying themed pieces which are intelligent masterful thought-provoking and engaging.
Don't see it if You are offended by nudity (there is one scene)
See it if Awesome
Don't see it if Bored with details
See it if You like good acting.
Don't see it if You are looking for a comedy.