Part of FringeNYC: In the wake of an act of violence committed by charismatic high school senior Michael against devout freshman Liana, a handful of teens try to piece together the irrefutable truth. Weaving ancient tradition with now, #Blessed is a modern day book of revelations.
... Read moreCategories: Drama, Musical/Opera, Local. From Semicolon Theatre Company. Written by Zoe Kamil. Directed by Miranda Cornell.
FROM THE ARTIST:
A Semicolon Theatre premiere, #Blessed is presented by individuals entirely 21 and under. Its team stands apart as 90% female-identified, and is headed by Fringe’s youngest-ever director, nineteen-year-old Miranda Cornell, and playwright Zoe Kamil.
"Despite being an important topic, the play doesn't offer anything we haven't already heard in similar themed plays…Overall, '#blessed' felt like an unfocused after school special...This is not an easy play to act. They are thin characters tackling a difficult topic...The last scene between Jesus and Liana is a ten-minute play that we'd want to see. It was Zoe Kamil's strongest writing. It just came too late. '#blessed' is a play very much in progress." Full Review
"'#Blessed' blends the unexpected with the traditional, and proves that what is easy to perceive as strange or imperfect is truly what makes these characters perfect. Audience members of any faith or lack thereof will find it easy to climb onboard '#Blessed' with its lovable characters, haunting biblical interludes, catchy music, and 1980s-Molly-Ringwald-film vibe." Full Review
"'#Blessed' has some trouble with pacing throughout...Whereas the first section of the play evokes the sensation of a trap slowly closing in on Liana, the second consists largely of characters confronting one another about information the audience already knows...Even so, the overall story of #Blessed certainly packs a punch, and while the play does not reconcile religion and the modern world for you, it leaves the door open for its characters, and its audiences, to find their own way through." Full Review
"‘#Blessed’ should seem timely. Instead, Zoe Kamil’s drama plays out almost like a social guidance film from the 1950s. Although the play touches on questions that merit serious conversation, it is far too heavy-handed to be effective. Miranda Cornell’s direction is equally clunky, and the cast of 12 can sometimes barely be heard...While it’s wonderful to see young women exploring serious social issues, '#Blessed' needs serious tightening, refining and refocusing." Full Review
See it if You're excited to see new theatre by super talented young actors, writers and directors and don't mind some frank (real teen-like) language.
Don't see it if You're easily offended by edgy language.
See it if you want to experience an absorbing, unvarnished look at teenagers grappling with abuse and uncertainty.
Don't see it if you're close-minded and have forgotten what it's like to be young.
See it if You're interested in stories about hypocrisy in Christian communities regarding teen sexuality.
Don't see it if You're looking for anything in-depth or new regarding rape. This is a young playwright who only skims the surface of topics.
See it if Everyone
Don't see it if It's amazing
See it if You want to see a dramatic comedy You are interested in the struggles of teens You want to see amazing actor and actress
Don't see it if You have a problem with bad language
See it if you enjoy high school dramas.
Don't see it if you don't like modern themes/slang.
See it if Great writing and acting. Thought-provoking. Nuanced. Moving and resonant.
Don't see it if Close minded about religion or sex.
See it if You are interested in understanding date rape among young people in America.
Don't see it if If you are offended by frank discussions of sexuality by teens or if you think rape culture is a myth.
See it if You are interested in what young theater makers are doing.
Don't see it if You wish to avoid difficult topics of a sexual nature.
See it if You enjoy young people telling it like it is
Don't see it if You deny the rape culture that surrounds us
See it if you want to experience a show that asks big questions about sexual assault, about consent, about hookup culture, about religion.
Don't see it if you are a survivor of sexual assault and seeing a show that deals with that topic will be difficult for you.
See it if You want to have your heart broken by some of the next generation's most talented actors
Don't see it if You don't like confronting the truth
See it if you're a human with a heart who is sick of what is going on. These actors....they're going somewhere. Do not miss.
Don't see it if you're a close minded person.
See it if You're young and navigating confusing times, religious or not, and if you enjoy theatre made by and for young adults.
Don't see it if You are easily triggered by discussions of rape or assault, but even if you are, it may be helpful and cathartic
See it if you are interested in an intelligent script and a talented cast.
Don't see it if you are sensitive to the subject material.
See it if You wish to be thoroughly entertained by a thought provoking socially relevant, yet funny show.
Don't see it if You are at all prudish or easily offended.
See it if #Blessed was thought provoking and very well acted. Am looking forward to watching these young people develop and grow artistically.
Don't see it if If you are looking for "fluffy" entertainment, this is not the show for you.