Theater Breaking Through Barriers presents an evening of short plays exploring the themes of race, religion, sexual identity, and social otherness. Playwrights include Neil LaBute and Bekah Brunstetter ('This is Us'). More…
As a band of artists who live and represent disability—the only Otherness that knows no race, religion, gender, age, country, or political affiliation—TBTB's goal is to unite all Others on a common ground to learn, share, and grow together as one.
In Bekah Brunstetter's 'GIRL #2' an audition raises issues of diversity in casting for a group of actresses. Directed by Gwynn MacDonald.
When a black girl asks her white co-worker to go with her to an office party, the answer is anything but black and white in Neil LaBute's 'No Hard Feelings.' Directed by David Rosar Stearns.
A misogynist Haitian custom threatens a marriage proposal in Dennis A. Allen II's 'Traditional.' Directed by Christopher Burris.
In 'A Difference of Beauty' by Tatiana G. Rivera, a compliment from a stranger elicits an unusual reaction. Directed by Pamela Sabaugh.
Set in a bombed out house in Aleppo, Lameece Issaq's 'Noor and Ahmad Go to Hogwarts' shows two Muslim kids trying to escape the horrors of war through the world of 'Harry Potter.' Directed by Ann Marie Morelli.
See it if you don't mind sitting through some less-than-engaging plays to see some very good ones. (I thought the last piece was exceptionally good.)
Don't see it if you're looking for a deeper exploration of otherness. Many of these plays felt very superficial. (Granted, they are short, but even so...)
See it if you enjoy seeing something about and underdog
Don't see it if you are looking for a play. this is not a "play" its 5 shot plays, a song and 3 monologues. The acting is very unbalanced
Also I didn't care much for any of the 3 monologues and the song was ok. I ... Read more Read less
See it if you like interesting, short plays about important topics.
Don't see it if you are not concerned about people with disabilities and what they have to overcome.
See it if A disparate group of short plays, at times little more than extended scenes, fits your attention span. LaBute piece & Barnes solo stand out
Don't see it if Quick dramatic sketches & ideas aren't enough. Though some have more potential, most are smart well presented scenes celebrating diversity.
Also A funny, quick-paced and clever evening of extremely short plays that ... Read more Read less
See it if You like vignettes; there's about 8 (5 short plays & 3 solo pieces). They vary in degree, but, I'm biased because I love this theatre's
Don't see it if Stance on diversity and otherness, so I'll never really leave a negative review. It's nice to see actors, with impairments, be showcased.
See it if you endure one act potluck format. LaBute, Brunstetter maintain their excellence. Allen and Issaq earn their keep. Barnes best of monologues
Don't see it if You hate inconsistency. Rivera's play interminable and excruciating. Drabicki and Haddad whiff in self written pity parties.
Also Cozy theater. Nifty set with playwright names in lights, then shifting... Read more Read less
See it if you like plays about POC, LGBTQ, disability, & that examine many different issues from diverse voices. It's a series of short plays.
Don't see it if you want a single long play. The acting is mostly good, and the writing is mostly good, though some short plays are better than others.
See it if Some are winners, but seems latter ones were tagged on-not strong/verge on silly/preposterous. Some v good acting/charm, but is a mixed bag.
Don't see it if You'd get agrivated by being forced to empathize w/those who are disabled in some way, & to look at what constitutes disability-woman/black?
See it if you enjoy honest stories about the range of human experiences and want to support or gain a better understanding of differently abled people
Don't see it if you are uncomfortable with hard truths about privilege
See it if You like to see diversities in the performers, you enjoy short plays.
Don't see it if You want to see a coherent story. The writing of some stories are okay, but some are not. The monologues are especially plain to watch.
See it if you enjoy small indie theaters and a number of one act plays by people along the disability scale. Sometimes uncomfortable in healthy way.
Don't see it if have issues with differently abled people and issues of race, religion and sexual identity.
See it if You enjoy seeing a series of short plays featuring diverse people, some of whom may be disabled.
Don't see it if You are offended by profanity, or want to see one specific play instead of series of short plays.
See it if you are looking for variety. There is sex, war, misogyny, self-loathing, racism, music, Harry Potter, comedy & so much more on display here.
Don't see it if you insist on consistency. Each segment inhabits its own distinct world with no thru line whatsoever.
See it if You are interested in stories about diversity portrayed in surprising ways by a diverse cast. You like seeing short works by great writers.
Don't see it if You want a cohesive, fully realized piece of theater. These pieces are best described as "moments in time." Thin, maybe, but enjoyable.
See it if If you like a great show with handicapped people . Should be showcased more.
Don't see it if n/a
See it if You like thought provoking, moving theater that represents a diverse human experience.
Don't see it if You prefer traditional, linear shows or light entertainment.
See it if You like short plays all with themes of diversity and inclusion
Don't see it if You don't like short, one act plays. A few run a little long.
See it if You enjoy seeing unique, thoughtful pieces that you won't see elsewhere.
Don't see it if You need a lot of spectacle, or don't enjoy short pieces.
See it if you enjoy well-written short plays/vignettes featuring a diverse, intersectional cast, exploring a spectrum of human stories + otherness.
Don't see it if you like a singular narrative thread between pieces, prefer a fluffier show, are uncomfortable w/ issues of racism, sexism, ableism, etc.
Also Funny, poignant, powerful, important stories that challenge the audien... Read more Read less
See it if you're attending with someone who has a short attention span, easily bored with one story because you get nine stories in this show!
Don't see it if you don't have patience for uneven performances.
See it if Short plays offers any entertainment for you
Don't see it if You hate wasting your time.
See it if You want to learn about people who don't fit the "norm" in society
Don't see it if Aren't open to learning about different people