Bathsheba's Psalms, Or A Woman of Unusual Beauty Taking a Bath NYC Reviews and Tickets
About the Show
A sexy, irreverent take on the infamous Old Testament “love story” of David and Bathsheba. From a biblical rooftop to a modern-day Duane Reade, this unruly adaptation capsizes tropes on gender, desire, and power.
Show-Score Member Reviews (15)
See it if you are interested in a feminist expansion of the Biblical story that explores its modern relevance using experimental theater techniques
Don't see it if the slightly disjointed performance caused by the collective style of shifting and sharing roles will disturb you.
See it if you enjoy shows on classical or biblical tales with a modern twist.
Don't see it if you like classic tales that are adapted or altered.
See it if You love historical stories told in a very contemporary way. The fourth wall is broken throughout; actors can switch roles beautifully
Don't see it if YOu are easily bored with biblical tales. Or, you want more drama to a production
See it if you like plays about womens issues
Don't see it if you can bear profanity
See it if You can handle a bizarre, experimental rendition of Bathsheba, David and Uriah
Don't see it if You can't
See it if you enjoy experimental, creative takes on historical/biblical tales w/ a lot of artistic freedom - which could be confusing but still fun.
Don't see it if you don't want distorted version of traditional tale that includes profanity . The cast is great but did not like them doing both M/F roles.
See it if You like historical religious theme play with a modern improvisation, barebone small, theater.
Don't see it if Religious or sexual referrals might offend you, historical plays bore you.
See it if You want to understand the Psalm regarding the story line.
Don't see it if You don't like profanity.
Critic Reviews (4)
“Jumping from past to present, the story does a solid job spotlighting gender...At first glance, the mishmash of identities can be confusing but ultimately it pays off with an earnest feeling of indifference...The play's blatant sexual desire paired with lust for power and possession, alongside a strong female proclamation makes for an enticing story worth investing in.”
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"Simple but creative effects such as this help to make 'Bathsheba's Psalms' a satisfying visceral experience as well as a thoughtful, cerebral one. When the house lights came up at the end of the performance under review, everyone in the audience seemed to have blissful smiles on their faces. That's something you don't see at many shows, even at much more richly appointed ones than this."
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"Ranger’s creative and clever dramatization that gorgeously weaves together biblical and modern dialogue and cultural touchstones with feminist issues and viewpoints...This funny, moving mash-up stays faithful to the Biblical story and grafts it into the present-day...What makes this compact play so powerful is Ranger’s language, her ability to quickly swing from poetry to Old Testament phrasing...The cast is outstanding."
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"The harshness would work better if the play employed less cursing though. The show uses salty language so consistently that it eventually becomes ineffectual...Bathesheba, played by Tanyamari, embraces a graceful outlook on what life offers her—something the actress, who seemingly glows from within, conveys... Roussos’ direction introduces whimsy into the story, with missives dropping from the ceiling and a child’s playroom box of costumes on stage."
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