Nat Turner in Jerusalem NYC Reviews and Tickets
Show-Score Member Reviews (107)
See it if Very interesting subject and debate about how our history is recorded and how people are remembered
Don't see it if It's a slow, philosophical, two hander. it's not for everyone.
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; Read more
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 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 like true stories brought to life in a small, intimate theater with terrific actors.
Don't see it if "You can't handle the truth!"
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.
See it if you love history. There are some good moments here. But the direction is incredibly clumsy and non-sensical including the techno sound.
Don't see it if you want to see a perfect show. This is a 3 character play but for some reason they have 1 actor playing two roles. This is ridiculous. Read more
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
Critic Reviews (27)
"Playwright Nathan Alan Davis vacillates between lyricism and minimalism in the piercing two-hander 'Nat Turner in Jerusalem.' Centered on the last moments in the title character’s life after leading a slave rebellion, there are no easy answers here...Even the well-meaning white characters are brainwashed by racism, but still there are great moments that approach understanding and even kinship."
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"Davis’ script is a taut piece with moments of sublime language. He is able to aptly show each character’s psyche, their relation to society, and the intense effect Turner’s revolt had on Southern society. Sandberg-Zakian has brought the best out of Brannon and Vickers while also crafting an atmosphere that draws us intimately into their dialogue and relationship. 'Nat Turner in Jerusalem' is a magnificent, powerful play that looks at a violent past that still reverberates into our present."
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"This particular version does not shed much light or heat on events and is too dependent on gimmicks. To give playwright Nathan Alan Davis his due, he does not attempt to sugarcoat Turner’s brutal murder of white women and children...After 185 years, Nat Turner’s slave rebellion and its aftereffects still evoke deeply conflicted reactions. Perhaps it is enough that the play reminds us of that, even if it doesn't contribute much to the ongoing conversation."
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