Why? NYC Reviews and Tickets
Member Reviews (23)
See it if delightful: 1st half by 3 skilled actors playfully show what lies behind the actor's craft
Don't see it if off-point: 2nd half tale of leading lights in Comm Russia theater snuffed out by Stalin; does not directly address central ? why theater Read more
See it if you are interested in modernist theater, theater mechanics, the history of 20th century tyranny or demonstrations of great acting.
Don't see it if you are looking for a full play: This is an enacted lecture-demonstration. Read more
See it if you are a fan of Peter Brook or the actors involved in this production. There are two plays going on, and this tends to be confusing.
Don't see it if you do not enjoy talky theatre or plays that do not have sets or costumes. You need to pay attention to the language.
See it if want some fun acting lessons (first part), have recently taken a course in early 20th cent. Russian Literature, don't mind being confused
Don't see it if you don't like pretentious theater, want all three actors to project (2 of the 3 were great) Read more
See it if enjoy three great actors talking about acting and the development of Russian acting teachers. A great performance piece
Don't see it if a true play, start middle and end is what you most enjoy
See it if you can be content with splendid actors doing what they do even if it is unclear what that is. Not sure what or "why" this is theater
Don't see it if you are looking for a coherent story line or a message that is clearly presented. But any chance to see these actors is worthwhile
See it if You like cerebral theatre.
Don't see it if You like a plot Also the acoustics are poor. It was difficult to hear and understand Hayley Carmichael. Listening device added echoes.
See it if you're under the spell of Peter Brook and Kathryn Hunter... I sure am. The first third of this production will reward you for coming.
Don't see it if you're indifferent re: Russian theater history as a big chunk of the show is devoted to the life/work of Stanislavksky disciple Meyerhold. Read more
Critic Reviews (4)
"Peter Brook Asks the Ultimate Question in ‘Why?’: A new work from one of the indisputably great directors is partly a tribute to theater and partly a warning about theatricality."
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3/5 Stars "'That Big Question, On Stage and Off': Peter Brook and collaborator Marie-Hélène Estienne reflect on theater, generally and in another troubled time"
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"The performance takes place on a nearly empty stage and uses only three actors to tell its story. While the evening is mesmerizing, the play seems unfocused, beginning with the question why do we do theater and ending with the political dangers to theater artists who create experimental theater."
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"Those for whom theater is their religion are more likely to appreciate 'Why?'….less a play than a kind of elliptical lecture-demonstration of, and paean to, the beauty and danger of the theatrical arts….nuggets of theatrical wisdom you might hear in an acting class."
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