The Trial of the Catonsville Nine

See it if Theater In the round done expertly. Great acting by David Huynh and Eunice Wong. Approx. 70 seats make one a part of the show. see also

Don't see it if One has to adjust to the 3 actors playing all of the roles, the 9 accused and the lawyers and judges.Only 90 minutes. See also

Also Daniel Berrigan lives again, Fascinating play. Take a tour of Abron Arts Center, Transport Group is unique in ts presentations (This may be the 6th work of theirs that we have seen) Amazing how we forget this major trial. Use of lighting so good.At one point. you feel the heat of the presentation. Also great Light in use for the ending. A powerful work of theater. On Grand Street toward Essex a great bagel place and another super donut place (South side of Grand.. Sound used perfectly The 3rd actor sometimes does not adapt to a "ROUND" performance... Read more Read less

See it if You’re a history buff, specifically the Vietnam War, and interested in non-traditional shows (both in structure and presentation).

Don't see it if You don’t like extremely intimate shows or politics.

See it if An intense play with multiple roles played by just three amazing actors. Recounts historical events but in an engaging, relevant narrative.

Don't see it if You don't like serious plays nor want to be challenged by what happens in real life and in our society.

Also Definitely observe and look at the set after the plays ends.

The staging and lighting were very effective and even how the audience was seated.... Read more Read less

See it if The retelling of a historical trial in the round, where actors shift position and role, where you sit on the stage amidst the action.

Don't see it if Very profound and moving recreation of a piece of history not known to everyone. A little confusing as three actors play nine plus roles.

Also You can't doze off in this profound play, as you must concentrate fully to stay with the cast which takes turns playing every character from prosecutor to judge and each of the Catonsville Nine. Because you are required to be so present, the impact on you as the audience is extraordinary. Vyer unusual--and very impactful.... Read more Read less

See it if Steely, unshakeable testimony re civil disobedience and what’s just vs. what’s legal. Real ppl determined not to repeat mistakes of the past

Don't see it if you dislike transcripts as playscripts, nonfiction, anti-war protest; find the 60’s interesting only for the drugs, sex, & excess.

Also Seat tip: This is in the round, but the best seats are along the long side of the acting space facing both exit signs.

I didn’t know anything about this trial & found it such a compelling case. Excellent closing arguments. All 3 actors command attention. Something might be lost in the way of distinct characters by not having a full cast of at least 9; but more is gained by focusing on the strength of the true statements they made instead of crafting a sense of stylish individualism.

And I’m inclined to be skeptical of the legacy of 1960’s radicals—having seen so many retrospectives highlighting hedonism & naivete as the hallmarks of the times. The 9 portrayed here point to an immeasurably more productive commitment to peace, readiness to question political institutions, belief in their responsibility to others, & willingness to act.... Read more Read less

See it if you want riveting piece re: role and power of civil disobedience in a democracy. Three actors superbly play all roles in Vietnam-era trial.

Don't see it if you're not prepared to grapple with complex social & political issues. Powerful & intense. Creative staging at times confusing or slow.

See it if Amazing all Asian actors for a less known anti Vietnam War protest/court trial and why they object the war killings Americans and Asians.

Don't see it if Vietnam War or burning draft cards are triggering. Dislike anti-war protestors or historical / civil rights plays.

Also Free ticket from Show Score.

See it if You enjoy non-linear theater & ensemble pieces, you want to learn about or are interested in the Vietnam war, you enjoy strong acting

Don't see it if You can't sit still in uncomfortable seating (church pews), you get distracted by fully lit theater in the round

See it if Three actors portray judge, prosecutor, defender, and 9 defendants, antiwar activists who opposed the inhuman War in Vietnam.

Don't see it if You think every order of a president is lawful. Don’t forget the determined and dedicated action it took to bring Vietnam War to an end.

Also At the end, nine desk lamps remain illuminating folders that commemorate the Catonsville Nine.... Read more Read less

See it if You're interested in a Vietnam War protest with themes that resonate with current protests. Educational but not heavy-handed. Very moving.

Don't see it if Taken mainly from court documents, it's somewhat text-heavy, but beautifully staged and acted. 8-10 minutes from the nearest subway.

See it if You like historical drama about protests during the Vietnam war done in a poetically simple way

Don't see it if You don’t like wordy minimalist subtlety nuanced productions that pack a powerful punch

See it if you like small cast/multi-character productions and non-linear storytelling. If you like parallels drawn between Vietnam war modern times

Don't see it if you like clear "who is playing who" direction or don't like descriptions of violence or war.

See it if You enjoy docu-drama and actors fluidly moving between parts.

Don't see it if You want theatre that points out the challenges from the past we continue to face and DOESN'T provide a suggestion of what to do.