Borders

See it if you want to understand (and FEEL) the horrors of war-torn Syria/the plight of refugees. 2 intertwined stories, one humorous, one harrowing.

Don't see it if you only like lite fare. Show is a gut punch. Occasionally, it's melodramatic. But go for solid acting/intelligent staging/griping story.

Also If you were lucky last spring, you saw playwright Naylor's Angel and Echoes. And you saw as Angel actress Lvova. It's good to have her back in NYC, even though her roles will haunt you.... Read more Read less

See it if you're interested in a relevant story about Syrian refugees with extremely powerful acting performances. Emotional and thought-provoking.

Don't see it if you don't like small, barebones productions or plays with heavy subject matter. This is not light entertainment and does require thinking.

See it if you like polished, meaningful performances; explorations of what it means to be an empowered person/artist in different parts of the world.

Don't see it if I do know ppl who wouldn’t appreciate Borders, but they happen to be psychopaths. Don’t go if a psychopath, or only interested in the West.

Also If you only see one serious, hard-hitting piece this year, make it this one. I know not everyone is into this type of heavy material but Borders is an accessible, foolproof pick that cuts through layers of jadedness and re-sensitizes you to the world & people filtered out of our culture's consciousness.

Worth mentioning that Naylor was a comedy writer for over a decade before writing this play and it makes a difference. Borders isn’t a comedy, but it achieves a right balance of levity and momentum that keeps you level headed and prevents you from sinking into an abject state of depression. In this way the show avoids the usual news coverage effect of numbing viewers to its subject. That, and the inspiring characters and performers.

Sit in the center, not the sides.... Read more Read less

See it if Two monologues that approach each other & deal with the responsibility of the artist. 70 gripping minutes coming to terms with human values.

Don't see it if Serious topics nicely if unsubtly handled, but won’t appeal to fans of comedy or stories that neatly resolve.

See it if shows about a strong woman in an area ravaged by war, issues of journalism - covering Hollywood people vs. real tragedies; Mr. Naylor's work

Don't see it if If you want elaborate staging & don't like solo shows (see below); if you saw Angel by Mr. Naylor and want something totally different

Also There are 2 actors but they are basically having 2 alternating solo shows until they come together at the end.
While watching it I had the feeling of deja vu and then realized that the same actress played a strong woman in an area ravaged by war in "Angel" (same playwright & director) at 59E59 last year. Even though Borders had another character ( a wonderfully charming Mr. O'Mara) it just wasn't different enough.
So to summarize I am a bit jaded but this is still a very touching play about an important subject.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to see the best off-Broadway show of the year; you care about humanity; you love the theater for its own sake (no fancy set)

Don't see it if you don’t want your eyes and heart opened by the best acting and writing you’ll see this year

Also Two actors, alternating in the small space of the NY Theater Workshop Next Door, with only a spotlight and two chairs -- but those chairs become a home, a white van, a war-torn city, a boat on a raging sea, while the actors become a photographer, a revolutionary, a graffiti artist and her lover, a worried mother, a principled journalist, someone who's lost his way... and someone who's found hers. A stellar performance. This is what theater is meant to be.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to understand the refugee crisis and journalism, on a persoal level.

Don't see it if It's a serious show. If you like theater to be fun and an escape from reality, avoid this one.

See it if you enjoy high quality acting and interesting treatment of characters; thought provoking and emotional material, visceral content.

Don't see it if you are looking for a light entertainment; you don't care about the topic of suffering during war and natural disasters; you prefer musicals

Also See this show; it will grab you and take you on an emotional journey.

See it if enjoy an expertly written drama about such a relevant topic and terrific acting. The topic of Syrian refugees is so beautifully explored.

Don't see it if You don't like shows that are monologues or only enjoy comedies. Otherwise​, no reason not to see it.

See it if Bare bones production. Cleverly written mixing English humour with tough realistic account of life in Syria.

Don't see it if You need a set!

See it if You love edgy, dramatic work - with excellently writting, direction and acting.

Don't see it if Your alternative is Wicked.