Nat Turner in Jerusalem

See it if Two powerful performances fail to ignite the combustible events of iconic slave Nat Turner's life; sometime lyrical prose softens dullness

Don't see it if You lack patience & historical perspectives; often preachy narrative can grate

See it if you need a refresher course re: pre- Civil Was A two-hander worth seeing.

Don't see it if have trouble with small cushions for wooden bleacher type sets.. (only 90 minutes or so though)

See it if /for captivating contest btw Turner as avenging angel vs. lawyer horrified at killing of innocents

Don't see it if /since asymmetrical contest/Turner more powerfully portrayed; play is inert/devoid of drama as neither party moves the other

Also This play does six things very well:
1. Reimagines a historical event;
2. Presents debate about whether the ends justify the means - whether political ends justify slaughter of innocents;
3. Has lessons for the present: Black Lives Matter; and ISIS (religious justification for terrorism);
4. Communicates through writing that is poetic and evocative;
5. Presents acting (role of Nat Turner) that is commanding; and
6. Brings to life major themes through inventive staging (evocative use of chains; bleacher seating surrounding stage placing audience in role of jurors in jury box).... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see: exceptional acting by Phillip James Brannon; a window into one example why racial and ethnic suppression do not work.

Don't see it if historical stories do not interest you; you do not like talky plays with little action; you dread a story that you know will end in death.

See it if you like theatre that makes you think, that challenges your preconceptions. Acting was superb. Direction was marvelous. Well staged.

Don't see it if you want a light hearted romp!

See it if Turner's divinely inspired rebellion as the roots of Black Lives Matter. Poetic script beautifully directed and acted. Philip Brannon soars

Don't see it if The wooden seats have backs and cushions and are not uncomfortable. It must have cost a lot to reconfigure NYTW. The experience is worth it

See it if you like shows that make you wonder what's actually going on, & leave you no less confused than when you arrived. Not much actually happens.

Don't see it if you're hoping to understand Nat Turner better. The dialogue goes on and on with very little of substance being communicated.

Also Having the play start with a return visit by Thomas Gray, after he's already taken Turner's confession, feels like we've missed out on the best part of their exchange. It's unclear both what Gray is looking for and what Turner is trying to tell him. I would have liked to learn more about the "confession" Turner had already given, and about the controversy surrounding its veracity. The performances were poetic and lovely, the setting emotive, but my attention was not held.... Read more Read less

See it if a well-modulated, emotional, believable performance is a goal. Mr. Brannon scores a 90. The play-would rather read-extraordinarily topical.

Don't see it if you are not able to sit quietly while two characters debate. if you have difficulty listening to violence retold.

Also The material is stark, topical, and the anger true. please don't go if you are going to walk out. There was a noisy mass exodus at 20 minutes. The actors did not miss a beat. The 90+ minutes did not drag.... Read more Read less

See it if you must

Don't see it if enjoy well written pieces about an historical event. It is faction .

See it if you are interested in race, turner's story, american history.

Don't see it if you find two person plays, minimal staging, very talky, and little action difficult to watch.

See it if Well acted historical drama!

Don't see it if If you only like musicals

See it if You are a student of American history.

Don't see it if Are an impatient audience member.

See it if You are interested in American history, and African-American history particularly.

Don't see it if If you don't like historical plays or are uncomfortable hearing about Nat Turner's rebellion, including several violent acts.

Also Although current events are not specifically referenced, one is obviously drawn to make comparisons with recent acts of violence against African-American by authority figures, as well as with acts of terror in the name of religion.... Read more Read less

See it if you are interested in the history of race conflict and the futility of extreme action

Don't see it if you want better written theater that presents points of view with clarity and understanding

See it if you like slow agonizing drama while sitting on benches with low hard backs.

Don't see it if you hate deafening hip hop pre show and between scenes. Or if you find Bic candle lighters in 1830 problematic.

See it if You want to be provoked & are open to seeing & understanding the links between current events & US history of slavery

Don't see it if Want a light night of entertainment

Also Fantastic in just about every way - this is likely to be reprised - don't miss it if it returns... Read more Read less

See it if you like preachy stories; like historical drama; like 2-handers that are 90 minutes;

Don't see it if you don't like slavery related stories; don't like historical plays; don't like to feel preached at; don't like uncomfortable subjects;

Also there were a few inspirational dialogues. One in particular was just as relevant in the 1800s as it is in 2016. Echos of "No Justice, No Peace.... Read more Read less

See it if Acting and staging matter most. You're a history buff. You can glean meaning and enjoy engaging discussion follow the show.

Don't see it if You have high expectations for this production. You want straightforward theater & you don't like ambiguity.

See it if you want to consider a generally forgotten event in American history, still relevant today, very well presented by the actors.

Don't see it if a discussion of American slavery might be boring.

See it if you like history. See it if you are interested in black history.

Don't see it if you do not enjoy two/three character plays.

See it if you are in the mood for an intense historical two-hander. the staging is beautiful in its simplicity.

Don't see it if the topic of slavery makes you uncomfortable

See it if You like intense, well-acted, drama.

Don't see it if You don't like minimal sets and non-traditional seating. Dramatic, upsetting religious discussions.

See it if curious about Nat Turner and have patience for poetic writing and little plot

Don't see it if get bored easily by repetition and lack of traditional action

See it if you can perch on a bench for two hours and maintain concentration.

Don't see it if You follow the critics reviews and choose accordingly.

See it if Extra long, convoluted play making Nat Turner more of a hero. Nice acting but mediocre direction.

Don't see it if You want to see a more honest view of the Nat Turner story.