Neighbors: A Fair Trade Agreement
About the show
This world premiere play from INTAR and InViolet Theater explores the thin line between friends and enemies. More…
José and Joe are neighbors who've barely spoken. When José asks Joe for help, the two become friends and finally get to know the man on the other side of the creek. But as their bond grows so does their business, and the sacrifices they once made for profit come back to bite them in the culo. What turns amigos into enemigos? What turns nations into rivals? What turns men into clowns?
"Because its performances are so fully rendered and points so wonderfully tackled, one does not realize that 'Neighbors' follows a parroting formula of, 'You know what the problem with you people is? Let me tell you,' until well after the fact. The majesty of what playwright Cubria has accomplished, and the astute hand with which director Moreno has rendered it, is such that it is difficult to fault him for this cheat. The end game is this magnificent production." Full Review
“The stereotypes are deliberately clownish, and the playwright has fun with them…Despite the deliberate stereotyping, the depiction of Joe and Jose does not cause offense, in part because specific biographical details in the script and the two actors’ anchored performances turn them into credible characters, and in part because 'Neighbors' gives us solid if amusing insight into what feels like some genuine cultural differences between the two nationalities.” Full Review
"Cubría’s premise is an imaginative and timely examination of class, ethnicity and U.S. hegemony. It’s sustained by well-crafted jokes melded with seriousness, earthy and fierce dialogue, culminating in a ridiculous and chilling denouement...Rodriguez and Blair have a tremendous and palpable chemistry...Director Moreno’s staging emulates the fast pacing and surreal qualities of vintage Warner Brothers cartoons, yet the antics recede to emphasize the sensitive aspects of the play." Full Review
“'Neighbors’ is stranded between being a naturalistic buddy comedy and a political allegory, never managing to be funny or pointed enough…The laughs are few and far between; the climax, filled with violence and epithets, feels like a desperate bid for relevance...The actors do their best with characters who are pitched halfway between real people and outright caricatures…But all the good effort involved can't stop ‘Neighbors’ from coming off as an extended, unfunny satiric sketch.” Full Review
See it if Excellent writing and acting. Funny, entertaining plot of interplay of American and Mexican neighbors. Laugh out loud with a message
Don't see it if A fun way to explore differences
See it if Sharply written and performed satire about the relationship between an American man and a Mexican man. Creative and funny.
Don't see it if Avoid if you will be offended by stereotypes or harsh language. Some over-the-top physical humor.
See it if you want to see a fun comedy, unambitious and though not very profound, yet relevant.
Don't see it if you expect great production values (although) there is a pool and it rains onstage... or if you want to see some deep, intellectual work.
See it if Hilarious! It will make you laugh hysterically while allowing you to take a critical perspective on a contemporary political situation.
Don't see it if you are looking for a big budget Broadway show.
See it if you're up for an expertly performed & stylistically adventurous take on contemporary politics; you want to see a wowza ending
Don't see it if you don't do well with high-concept scenarios; if you need your plays to be emotion-driven
See it if You enjoy comedy with political undertones. Dealt with serious racial issues and stereotypes in a humorous way. Enjoyed it a lot
Don't see it if You are easily offended when dealing with stereotypes
See it if You like the idea of having a serious issue explored in a lighthearted , at times very funny, and always entertaining way.
Don't see it if Your mind is made up and closed on the subject of anglo/latino relations.
See it if You are a fan of lame jokes presented through a series of encounters between stereotypical 'neighbors'.
Don't see it if You are easily offended by racial 'humor". The jokes aren't that offensive, but they aren't that funny either. Just not worth the time.
See it if You like funny, outrageous, topical plays with a strong sense of theatricality.
Don't see it if You're looking for something entirely naturalistic.
See it if You enjoy current, relevant topics in today’s society that are relatable at many levels. Character development is deep; wildly entertaining
Don't see it if Just go see it! Will not disappoint!
Also Such a fun night out!
See it if Allegorical, absurdist indie play induces belly-laughs from the start w/ undercurrent of U.S.-Mexico politics on plate as food for thought
Don't see it if You're not in the mood for mild political commentary and a humorous take on racial stereotyping.
See it if You enjoy great set design and staging and the relation between a white American and a Mexican satirizing the relationship between states.
Don't see it if You mind explicit language, or sociopolitical issues worded explicitly and/or addressed comically SIMULTANEOUSLY.
See it if you are willing to look beyond cliche and see the person underneath...if you are interested in cultural differences and can accept them
Don't see it if You are heavy into political correctness. You are offended by raunchy language and obscene gestures
Also I enjoyed this show and appreciated the two characters both as individ... Read more Read less
See it if You want to see a play about neighbors and their differences. You want to see what happens when they come together in a business venture.
Don't see it if You don't have a sense of humor. You are not interested in a movie about neighbors and what happens when they get involved in a business.
Also This was a great performance.I have a sense of humor and don't take li... Read more Read less
See it if you enjoy clever use of stage to divide the haves and have nots, Mexican (or any immigrant) and "Gringos"; implied and specific race issues.
Don't see it if you are easily offended by coarse language, racial slurs, and stereotypes. Although it descends into a food fight, the issues are genuine.
Also A knowledge of Spanish helpful but not required; do not be offended by... Read more Read less
See it if you want to be entertained with some clever interracial humor, don't mind some profanity and graphic sexual descriptions
Don't see it if you're offended by profanity & discussion of descriptive sex acts or racial topics
See it if you like comedies. It's a comedy first, with serious undertones. Rides the line between clownish and serious very well.
Don't see it if you want to stay away from profanity and some adult themes; don't like two-person plays.
Also Using two characters as stand-ins for two countries is no easy feat. T... Read more Read less
See it if you're interested in a clever, easily digestible look at the relationship between the US and Mexico that manages to remain fairly complex.
Don't see it if you want one of those Aaron Sorkin-y political dramas. This is a comedy first that also manages to have something to say about politics.
See it if See this show if you like off off Broadway shows with dialog bewtwwem 2 characters. Parts were funny and other portions absurd.
Don't see it if This show is not for you if you like realistic story lines with serious acting.
Cast & Creatives (10)
Play a fun game
Get alerts about your favorite artists and theater companies
