Battlefield

See it if You're Brook fan, never seen the original, like to explore huge moral issues via an Indian folktale with a few stunning stage images

Don't see it if You expect an action-packed look at aftermath of a cataclysmic war or extensive use of Indian theatre techniques. Don't like dry allegories

See it if you want to see a production by the legendary Peter Brook. While I enjoyed the first half, the second half kind of lost its focus.

Don't see it if you are easily bored by the occasional long, droning speech. This work is still so relevant to today–I'd give it a chance.

See it if you would like to sample in miniature a legendary production with astonishingly graceful acting and staging.

Don't see it if you believe an epic should have a big cast, a lengthy running time, and a large and hyperactive staging.

See it if for an exploration by a theatrical genius of conflict and its effects on humans. Brook is a rare bird and deserves his devoted audience.

Don't see it if you don't like any philosophy onstage, or want a lot of action or elaborate sets/costumes. This is a quiet but moving and gorgeous piece.

See it if You want a mesmerizing, breathtaking, borderline religious experience.

Don't see it if you need flashy staging, flashy costumes, and don't want to sit still and join in communion with the actors.

Also The first fifteen minutes of the show I felt apprehension, and even boredom. At some point, I don't know when, I was hooked and all that mattered was the stage and myself. When the show ended, the entire audience exhaled simultaneously and sat in silence. In that silence I experienced the real power of theatre.... Read more Read less

See it if Sorry Battlefield had such a short run.

Don't see it if Sorry, it is over.

See it if I started Ushering at BAM so was excited to see this, unfortunately I worked it twice and was bored both times

Don't see it if Want an entertaining evening of theater

See it if you are interested in watching four actors transform and tell an expansive epic story using simply sticks, scarves and their instruments.

Don't see it if you love big spectacle shows.

See it if You will see anything by Peter brook, as I will, but won't be as disappointed as I was.

Don't see it if You are looking for a static, undramatic, play that takes Peter brooks 9 hour Mahabharata and unsucessfully tries to reduce it to one hour

See it if you like having your imagination activated while being asked and guided through big questions

Don't see it if you think theater is a passive engagement or you just want entertainment

See it if You want to see the work of Peter Brook and have heard of his legendary Mahabharata, from which this play is taken. 5 actors, 1 drummer.

Don't see it if You like traditional drama--this is storytelling/folktale on a simple set, masterfully presented.

See it if You can enter a slower, more visceral world

Don't see it if you need your theater to be all cliff-hanger and fast movement

See it if You want a cultural experience, filled with deep storytelling.

Don't see it if you can't remember a bunch of names at once or have no interest in non-Western stories or story-telling traditions.

See it if You are familiar with the story and want to see a fresh take on it.

Don't see it if You like grand costumes/sets and elaborate staging.

See it if I can't think of one single thing to cause you to want to see it. Fortunately, the torture is pretty short.

Don't see it if ...inept writing and sub-inept acting are not your cup of tea. Endless (and slow) stream of pseudo-philosophical mambo-jumbo.

See it if You enjoy emotionless experimental theatre

Don't see it if You prefer fast paced plays full of drama and emotion

See it if you missed the original . . . or, if you MUST see a Peter Brook piece.

Don't see it if can't appreciate an Asian aesthetic.

See it if Folks who have seen the Mahabharata

Don't see it if You loved the Mahabharara

See it if You are open and can appreciate silence

Don't see it if You only like thanks that are loud and edgy.