The Coward: a Madcap Fairytale (FringeNYC)
About the show
Part of FringeNYC: Possessed by an insane monster, a cowardly castle maid must battle gods and demons to resurrect the King she herself killed. This experimental, absurdist comedy revels in clowns, confetti, and blood. So shield those precious eyes, you cowards. More…
Categories: Comedy, Clown/Mask, Local. From The National Theatre of MatMadia. Written by Maddy Campbell. Directed by Matt Phillips.
"Hilarious and disgusting and heartbreaking all at the same time. I found myself rapidly alternating between laughing, gasping, and cringing at the ridiculous antics taking place...'The Coward' allows the incredible strength of the performers to shine through in every moment. Every actor onstage is so committed to this absurd, insane world...I loved this play. It endeared me to every character, kept me guessing right up until the final blackout, and left me wanting more." Full Review
“The whiteface loons in ‘The Coward’ never stop gabbing - which is especially unfortunate, given their manic, crushingly dull dialogue. Talky clowns: not a recipe for belly laughs. Energetic but scattershot to the point of tedium...A confusing, overwritten picaresque with metaphysical pretensions and a drawn-out WTF downer ending, barely salvaged by the ensemble’s youthful enthusiasm.” Full Review
for a previous production "'The Coward' stands as an over-the-top, in-your-face revision of what modern fairy tales can and should be…While the production elements are campy, they aren’t gimmicky. Each prop is playful but essential, lending the play the visual sensation of a Technicolor cartoon...'The Coward' marks a modern moment; gender lines are blurred irreversibly, mental health and its treatments are on the tips of our tongues, and lead actresses need no longer look like Barbies." Full Review
for a previous production "Maddy Campbell’s endless physicality elevates the play whose foundation is laid by her excellent writing and decorated with a great supporting cast...The production has a purposeful DIY quality that never feels haphazard and leaves the cast delightfully exposed…Furiously paced and inventively staged, 'The Coward' leaves you questioning both the structure of theater as an industry and society as a whole. Boldly provocative material, produced inventively on a low budget." Full Review
See it if you love a politically-charged fairytale with a clownish vibe!
Don't see it if you're looking for a traditional comedy.
See it if You like deconstructed fairy tales which use lots of makeup and hijinks
Don't see it if You are afraid of actors chasing atound in the audience, or you lack imagination.
See it if You enjoy hilarious, ambitious shows with a really clever use of a small budget
Don't see it if You can't handle any profanity, you want to see something straightforward
See it if You want bawdy surreal work. Its funny and edgy and the performances are truly wondreous.
Don't see it if You expect a narrative that makes linear sense. The show can also become self indulgent at times.
See it if you know somebody from the cast; you enjoy finding good intentions in horrible results; you're here for the costumes.
Don't see it if you don't enjoy third-rate attempts at absurdist theater
See it if You enjoy watching shows that attack the issues plaguing our society, but in an entertaining way.
Don't see it if You don't enjoy Popsicles on a hot summer day.
See it if you enjoy "madcap" investigations of our inner "monsters," clever writing, and capable performers/characters seeking courageous lives.
Don't see it if You're not up for an adventure that takes absurd twists for the sake of uncovering slippery truths about fear, courage and happiness.
See it if you find violence/poop jokes funny; you appreciate enthusiastic performances; you like randomness
Don't see it if you want theatre that makes you feel or think, or theatre that means something; you expect actual clowning (there isn't much)
See it if You love great stage makeup & design. You want to see a unique and juicy take on the female lead.
Don't see it if You feel uncomfortable crying and laughing during one show.
See it if you want to be taken on a magical journey that combines wonderfully crafted acting with a delicious sense of humor. a must see!
Don't see it if You are not willing to go on the ride with the characters and enter into their world.
See it if You want to experience the joy of a clown comedy and farce that presents the subject of mental illness in fun, yet thought-provoking way.
Don't see it if You want simple, traditional theatre. This calls for an open mind and heart.
See it if You're prepared to embrace the absurdity & if you want to have a great time with the many colorful characters. Great Performances all around
Don't see it if If you're seeking more traditional theater. However it is best to go in with an open mind
See it if Youre up for crazy antics, imagination and candy blood
Don't see it if You want straight up, traditional stuff
See it if you enjoy imaginative, colorful genre blending theatre. Clown-absurdism meets traditional and leaves you with a big smile.
Don't see it if you don't get along with your inner clown or inner child. Requires accepting their world and going along the ride.
See it if You like weird stuff.
Don't see it if You want to see something that makes sense.