Why?

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.

Also I’ve followed director Peter Brook’s work since my junior year in high school when I heard a recording of his legendary production of Peter Weiss’s “Marat/Sade.” Over the years I’ve found his work has often touched greatness. I found “Why?”—his latest collaboration with Marie-Hélène Estienne—totally charming. 3 actors associated with Brook for years, including the great Kathryn Hunter—as compelling an actor as I know—conduct a lecture-demo with enacted bits. They consider the nature of theater, the ferment to shake things up in early modern theater, then settle on the figure of the Russian iconoclast & (literal) martyr to the cause, Vsevolod Meyerhold. The 3 actors talk, enact bits from the director’s life, read from letters &—fascinating for modernist theater buffs—perform some of his “biomechanical” exercises. Will someone who has no interest in Brook, Meyerhold, theater mechanics or the history of 20th century tyranny be captivated by this? I can’t be sure. I was.... Read more Read less

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

Also Play starts off w story that God created theater to relieve men and women of their boredom. Pretty funny and insightful. I wish Brooks had fully expounded on that observation in developing this performance piece. Instead, what we get is a disjointed piece that starts w the light of the actor's craft and ends w the darkness of a story about political suppression. That story, more in the nature of an illustrated lecture, is not riveting theater. Moreover, if Brooks was using the Russia story as evidence that theater/freedom of expression stands between us and political darkness, he could have made that point much more clearly.... Read more Read less

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 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 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)

Also if theater is supposed to be for everyone, I think the Public's Public Works accomplishes it better.
There were some very funny and very moving/sad moments but as a whole it missed the mark for me.
The Playbill has a lot on Meyerhold but maybe Wiki Erdman's The Suicide (that was one of the gripping moment) and possibly the Poet Mayakovski. But if you can't hear the names that might be a wasted effort.
P.S. Ben Brantley was there. I bet it's a Time's Critics Pick.... Read more Read less

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 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'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.

Also Memorable Quote: "The path to simplicity is not easy."

See it if Fans of Peter Brook, Kathryn Hunter, Marcelo Magni Or become fans after this. The craft of acting has never been harder or looked easier.

Don't see it if You need sets, dramatic action or irrelevance

See it if You ask existential and social questions about theater, perspective, control, truth

Don't see it if You prefer a linear plot--this is a kind of staged essay about theater; a lot of ideas in one piece seems confusing to you

See it if you are a huge fan, you want to see some great acting work but not in relationship to anything else, you see everything, you love Meyerhold

Don't see it if you want actors in relationship to other actors - this is mostly monologue split between 3 people who don't relate much to each other

See it if u want 2 c the WHY of acting & life told by Peter Brook & Marie Helene Estienne & an extraordinary cast, touching, beautiful, life changing

Don't see it if u want 2 miss a once in a life time opportunity to experience the joy & sorrow of life interpreted by writing, directing & acting geniuses

See it if you're interested in what a genius writer/director is experimenting with at the moment. It's fascinating to see him at this time of life.

Don't see it if you like a linear, traditional piece of theatre. This is definitely not that.

See it if Mature work of a theater legend exploring the essence of the art form

Don't see it if “Bare boards” play of thoughts and not enough action

See it if you are excited to think and ponder as this presents ideas and has masterful actors. Simple. Quick.

Don't see it if you wants sets, costumes, story, etc. as this is focused on the words. It's philosophic, historical and relevant. Sometimes funny. Also sad.

See it if You want to see the continuing work of Peter Brook and three great actors play on stage.

Don't see it if You need a set. Or something more lush in its design/dramaturgy.

Also It's an interesting experience - a mix of fable, ode to the theater, unexpected where it needed to be, funny and endearing where we don't quite expect it to be. The live pianist was an unusual, not always successful, touch though.... Read more Read less

See it if If the theater you want hold the mirror up to nature.Peter Brook one of the giants in theater and self reflecting

Don't see it if you mostly want to be entertained.

See it if you're a fan of Peter Brook's legendary work, a theater creator, or want a simple yet thought-provoking show.

Don't see it if you expect a linear story or normal play. It doesn't tell the tale of a few characters, it explores the motives and techniques of theater.

See it if You are a fan of Peter Brook and also ask the question of “why” we do theatre

Don't see it if You need strong sets/costumes to make you visually involved. Not traditional theatre. Don’t come looking for characters going through a plot

Also For me this was separated into two parts and both were extremely different from one another. Almost as if I witnessed two different plays... Read more Read less

See it if you like thoughtful, beautifully simplistic philosophical musing on stage.

Don't see it if you're looking for an engaging plot.

See it if You want to see some great actors illuminate theater history.

Don't see it if You can handle anything that is indulgent.

See it if you're interested in a master theatre maker turning inward to investigate why and how "theatre is a very dangerous weapon"

Don't see it if you're a casual fan of theatre or want an experience that is in any way conventional

Also NEW DEAL TICKET PROGRAM: TFANA offers $20 tickets to every show they produce for patrons that are 30 or under, or a full-time student of any age. You can pick any available seat and use code NEWDEAL at checkout for the discount. But be ready to show ID at the will call window to prove you qualify or else they'll charge you full price at pickup.... Read more Read less