Why theatre? What is it for? What is it about? Why? This new work from Peter Brook and Marie-Hélène Estienne takes these questions, and many others, on a journey that is both dramatic and joyful. More…
From the show:
Why theatre? What is it for? What is it about? Why? takes these questions, and many others, on a journey that is both dramatic and joyful. The piece allows us to discover that we are not alone in asking these questions and that many great theatre practitioners have been inspired by the exploration of these questions. “Theatre is a very dangerous weapon.” These words were written in the 1920s by one of the most creative and innovative directors the theatre has known – Vsevolod Meyerhold. Meyerhold saw the menacing dangers that the theatre, and art in general, were facing in 1930s Russia and saw “the writing on the wall.” This did not deter him in his work as he held onto the hope that the revolution could win.
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... 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 wo... 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... 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 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 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 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'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 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'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 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 have no expectation. Nothing else to do.
Don't see it if You are not interested in theater. This play is about theater mainly.
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 diffe... 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 p... Read more Read less